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).
The condition of steering, axle, suspension, and clutch components after testing.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\N\July1925-September1925\ Scan213 | |
| Date | 1st September 1925 | |
| R.R. 493A (50 H) (D.D. 31, 12-6-25) J.H.D. EXPERIMENTAL REPORT. -5- Expl. No. REF: CWM/CWL. 9.25. Steering column support on dash has remained O.K. Steering box supported on frame and engine - brackets O.K. Bolts have remained tight. There is a slight amount of slack developed in pendulum rocker arm between levers and nut. Steering. Steering on rough roads at moderate and high speeds - shocks have at times been severe. They depend on the condition of the road. On smooth roads, at moderate and high speeds, car is inclined to wander. At low speeds no wobbles have developed. We consider that the steering is normal. Front axle and brake mechanism. G.52481 with modified brake operating gear to N.sch. 2014/19. Wear has taken place in bearings of operating shaft. The brake levers have worked satisfactorily. Axle pivots G.52355 and 6 - these have worn. Pivot pin, bush and friction washer to drgs. EX.663/4/5 - bushes have worn very badly, causing excessive shake in pinot pin. The O.S. has worn considerably more than the N.S. The O.S., when taken down for examination, was xxxxxxxxxxxxx well lubricated. Brake drums and shoes are in good condition. Considerable amount of fine sand has been washed into the inside of the drums. This is probably due to the exceptionally heavy rains experienced whilst the car has been out on test, and is probably the cause of the excessive wear of the pivot bushes. At 5,250 miles approx. the O.S. steering arms, bolted to pivot, was found slightly loose. Apparently the bolts had stretched. The nuts were tightened up three castelllations. Cross steering tube, and side steering tube ball end joints - no further slack has developed. Brake operating shafts on axle have functioned O.K., and are in a good condition. Front springs. The N.S.F. spring to drg. F.53585 was taken off, due to second leaf from bottom being broken, and Nos. 6, 7, 8 and 9 leaves having cracked. New F.53585 spring fitted. O.S. spring from outside examination, still appears to be O.K. The buffer clearance when the car is normal is - N.S. 2.062" - O.S. 2.062". On moderately rough roads, medium to high speeds, springs are continually hitting buffers. Front shock absorbers. These have given satisfactory results during the test, and appear to be in good condition. Clutch. We have experienced no trouble with clutch. The slight jaggers experienced at beginning of test have disappeared during continuation of test. It is now smooth in action. contd:- | ||