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).
Report page discussing vehicle steering, suspension, and tyre performance, particularly concerning road shocks and wobbles.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\P\2July1926-September1926\ Scan070 | |
| Date | 20th August 1926 guessed | |
| contd :- -5- say that on very bad roads the 6.75" tyres at 35 lbs/sq.in. are slightly better than the standard tyre for road shocks. Out of centre point steering. We found some old type Dunlop well base wheels which give a tyre point of contact 1/4" nearer centre point than the present standard well based wheels. We carefully compared these two types of wheel under Continental conditions. Those giving the greater out of centre point were slightly the better for road shocks and wobbles. We consider that this more or less proves that the further departure from centre point on the new axle cannot be considered as the source of any of the present complaints. Front springing. We have heard several reports from chauffeurs in Paris who state that their steering has been immeasurably improved by fitting stronger front springs. While we have no experimental evidence of this, we are taking the opportunity of trying stronger standard springs and Woodhead rebound leaf springs. SUMMARY. Our general impression is that the new axle is not inferior to the present standard axle. Unfortunately, the peculiar behaviour of the 6.00" tyres somewhat obscured the real issue. The question of tyres is very difficult. We undoubtedly have a large amount of work to do before we can be independent of the tyre manufacturer. Our experience is also that chassis differ very widely as to the transmission of road shocks. It is very difficult to form a correct contd :- | ||