From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Issues with rear suspension, steering, and the fuel system during a vehicle trial.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 114\4\ scan0154 | |
| Date | 5th May 1937 | |
| -5- be increased to compensate for the too soft rear springing. Over bad rocks and low lying sand dunes, the rear passenger was frequently thrown right off the seat and more than once was knocked out by hitting his head on the roof frame bars. The rear ride was also impaired due to the high tyre pressures. If the tyres were blown up to the instructed pressures i.e. 35 lbs/sq.in. they invariably increased to 42 - 45 lbs/sq.in. during the mid-day heat which averaged about 107°F, but on many occasions rose to 112° and 117°F.{Mr Friese} The leather gaiters fitted to the rear springs were very soon torn away by stones and gravel and ultimately the aluminium guards round the front shackles of the rear springs were worn through and served no useful purpose as stone protectors. STEERING. For the first 5000 miles the steering was good, free from joggles and light to operate. The self cen[t]ring qualities were good and it was pleasant to handle in every respect. No good Tarmac roads were encountered until the car arrived at Nairobi, and not till then did the steering show any signs of low speed wobble. The wobble would start at 30 m.p.h. and come out of the period again at 40 m.p.h. The cross steering tube poundages were checked and were found to be adequate. It was also found that there was considerable side play in the O.S.F. pivot pin. This was therefore dismantled and the slack taken out. This in itself appeared to cure the wobble as no further trouble was experienced till Nigeria was again reached, another 5000 miles. Later, the cross steering tubes were dismantled and the poundage on the ball ends was raised by packing up the springs with .10" thick washers, this sufficiently raised the poundage to stop all signs of wobble throughout the remainder of the run. PETROL TANK AND SYSTEM. In addition to the 36 gallon tank at the rear, an extra tank was fitted holding 20 gallons. This was fitted inside the car. This quantity of petrol proved to be sufficient, as fuel was obtainable at approximately every 400 miles. The petrol pipe line connecting the interior 20 gallon tank to the main system was broken by fatigue after 8000 miles. The movement of the body in relation to the frame was found to be considerable over the tracks encountered, and on account of this movement the pipe line broke. A rubber connection was inserted and no further trouble ensued. The petrol pump mounted on the frame side under the continued | ||