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).
Obstacle course test on a steering pivot, noting component failures over time.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 2\12\ B002_X168-page137 | |
| Date | 5th July 1913 | |
| From Exp. Dept. Copies for: Mr Johnson. Mr Royce. Mr Nadin. Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}/My1/L5713. July 5th. 1913. Report on test of Steering Pivot P.3372 - X.347/6S This pivot is the type which has the stub axle moved down the pivot nearer the centre so as to give more ground clearance under the car. A pair were fitted to a chassis and this was run over the obstacles on the track. The tests were continued for 30 hours 10 minutes at the rate of one lap per minute, 37 obstacles per lap. After this time the pivots were dismantled and tested for distortion and were found to be quite true and not bent in any way. After 65 laps the back axle case was found to be cracked. (this is the double bevel axle). After 67 laps the bolts on the rear engine brackets were found loose in frame. After 107 laps Near side front spring broke and bottom half crankcase smashed in due to axle running back to it. After 147 laps Centre bolt of near side front spring broke. After 167 laps Spring clip near side front broke. After 267 laps Off side front spring broke. After 350 laps near side front spring bolt broke. After 405 laps near side front spring bolt broke. After 448 laps near side front spring bolt broke. | ||