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).
High-speed wobble issues, tyre recommendations, and steering control in relation to Australian accidents.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 29\1\ Scan319 | |
| Date | 17th October 1927 | |
| To Ft. from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} X457 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn{Mr Robinson}2/LG17.10.27. AUSTRALIAN ACCIDENTS. X8990 With reference to your various memos. re. accidents. We note that Mr. Napier Birks has 5.77 semi balloon tyres fitted to his car. We do not like these tyres; they are inherently bad for wobbles. We recommend that if it is at all possible, you induce him to fit 6.75" tyres all round. These should go on the same rims as the 5.77. Naturally, his front shock absorber loading should be checked, as also the balance of the wheels. Undoubtedly the driver applied the brakes during the high speed wobble. This is the worst possible thing to do when a high speed wobble takes place, and he should be advised of the fact. We do not agree that the weak side steering tube springs make it impossible to control the car during a high speed wobble. When this phenomenon takes place it is impossible to hold the wheel tightly and the car can only be steered by a series of jerks at the steering wheel. If it were not for the flexible side steering tube springs, it would be impossible even to hold the wheel to direct the car at all. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} | ||