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).
Steering issues, particularly wobbles and the use of softer springs.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 154\3\ scan0068 | |
| Date | 12th July 1928 | |
| OYA.R.7.12.28 43682 July 12th, 1928. TO: Mr. Beaver Mr. Nadin Mr. Knapton FROM: Mr. Olley cc - Mr. Darling Mr. Caswell Mr. Ross Mr. Bagnall Mr. Poole Mr. Ainsworth Mr. Robotham (England) RE STEERING - SECTION 7050 Mr. Robotham writes:- "As you will see the 10" penculum lever is now standard. It gives a good steering for parking. "We want to get rid of some of the longitudinal flexibility in the side steering tube if we can - but wobbles hold us up. "We find that, if we run with wheels .5" further from the pivot, i.e. 1.75" from center-point, we get better immunity from wobbles." SIDE STEERING TUBES This requires a little explanation:- Derby are at present using side steering tubes having springs of 1500 lbs./in. whereas our tubes have the original springs of 3500 lbs./in. Derby find the softer springs an improvement as regards immunity from wobbles, but admit our objection that the steering is "woozy." We are preparing on Experimental Order D-3611 six side steering tubes of the existing Derby standard - namely 1500 lbs./in. to see whether we cannot make up our minds to get used to the "wooziness" and profit by the greater immunity from wobbles. The real fear that we have formed regarding the soft side steering tubes has to do with winter conditions when the car is in icy ruts. A soft steering tends to hug the ruts against the effort of the steering wheel and then flyout of them violently, with consequent trouble in steering a straight course. (Continued) | ||