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).
Meeting minutes discussing steering faults and proposed improvements for Wraith, 'M' Series Bentley, and Phantom III models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 161a\3\ scan0178 | |
| Date | 15th May 1939 | |
| 1381. B.Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} BY.3/G.19.5.39. DISCUSSION IN SG{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}'S. OFFICE 15.5.39. Present: Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} (1). STEERING FAULTS. (a). Wraith and 'M' Series Bentley. As previously arranged on BY's recommendation, all Wraith cars and 'M' series Bentleys were having the steering rollers replaced. (b). Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} raised the question of the strength of the roller when made in correct material properly treated. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} pointed out that there is a factor of safety of 3 1/2 to 1 in the roller so produced, and that he was satisfied this margin was sufficient. (c). Phantom III. There were two issues under this heading :- (1). The follower roller of the type using roller bearings was giving trouble due to the bearing rollers 'digging into' the race and causing loss of accurate control on the steering wheel. It was agreed that every effort should be made to urge forward the new type of 'follower roller' which was mounted on ball bearings, as this showed a 50% increase in load resistance. (2). The decision as to whether rocker shafts would be changed when changing rollers from present to strengthened type, was deferred to June 4th. In the meantime we are to try the bent connecting tube as a stress reducer. In addition, it is proposed to introduce the increased larger diameter rocker shaft on any future Phantom III made in S/ZNX. instead of S/ZN. an increase of 100%, one half increase being by the change to material, the balance due to the increased shaft diameter. (d). Phantom replacement. It is proposed to fit the larger diameter rocker shaft in the steering box on this car, with the | ||