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 and suspension improvements for the Phantom model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 23\3\ Scan009 | |
| Date | 17th May 1926 | |
| To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to BJ. WOr.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} RG.{Mr Rowledge} CWB. X1052 RL/M17.5.26. PHANTOM STEERING. X.8430 X.235 X.8420 X.1052 We must have slower pitch worms on all cars going abroad. We must have large dia. worms on all cars. We must have lighter front axle on all New PhantomCodename for PHANTOM I and we must have cast dashboards on Phantoms as soon as ever possible. Steering column vibration should be reduced by new stay sent on Sat. (to meet complaints on existing cars until cast dash supplied.) Complaints of road shocks can only be thoroughly met by large slow pitch worm. If axle pivots properly lubricated and steering otherwise correct, I cannot believe difficulty of close steering. I suggest comparing the Sunbeam (CWB's recommendation) and Panhard (Mr.de Salamanca's recommendation). Obtain the loan of these cars as cheaply as possible in England or France. If the Works fail to get them will they ask Sales or Paris to help, and send an expert engineer to test (Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}) I do not believe more flexible longitudinal springs sufficiently drastic improvement. Do not spare expense in meeting this complaint. I do not agree to making 100 old type heavy axles even with hydraulic shock dampers. I fear all tyres will occasionally get low pressure as we have personally experienced, even with high pressure tyres, and hydraulic dampers may become ineffective through neglect therefore the lighter axle with off-centre steering is necessary. Test if vertical pivot and castored stub axle like Panhard is of any benefit. All cars going abroad should be as perfect as possible. Where it is difficult to change to larger dia. worm try slower pitch worm of .940" and more flexible longitudinal springs, but do not attempt this cure where it is possible to change the box to larger dia. worm. You will see I condemn the policy of ordering 100 sets of the old heavy front axle material, although I agreed under conditions of necessity, but on further thoughts and information think it preferable to await the lighter type, even if found necessary to put Silver Ghost old stock non-front wheel brake axles under the cars while at the coachbuilders. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||