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 test of a special steering pivot designed for Austrian cars, noting its failure point and the lifespan of associated parts.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 2\B002_X168\ 00000001-page127 | |
| Date | 16th June 1913 | |
| From Exp. Dept. Copies for: Mr Johnson. Mr Royce. Mr Hives. Mr Holmroy. Mr Nadin. Nor/Dy{F R Danby}/L/116613. June 16th. 1913. Report on test of Steering Pivot F.STH - Z.158 This is the special type pivot designed with more clearance for the Austrian cars. The stub axle has been moved lower down on the pivot. The test was made on the reversal test rig and the pivot ran for 58 hours 45 minutes before breaking, then the stub axle broke off short right in the root where it joins the pivot. We have never had one break here before and we presume that this is now the weakest spot. The U section being shorter and considerably thickened up now appears to be exceedingly strong and possibly heavier than is necessary. 5 Crome steering levers were broken during the test and their length of life is as follows :- 1. 14 hours 15 minutes. 2. " " 10 " 3. " " 35 " 4. " " " " 5. " " " " It should be pointed out that with this type of pivot the section of the stub axle is now uniform right up to the point where it joins the pivot, whereas previously there was a piece about 1/2" long which was thicker and a bigger diameter at the root of the stub. | ||