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).
Difficulties of fitting new front shock absorbers and the alternatives being considered.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 78\2\ scan0128 | |
| Date | 14th May 1919 | |
| X.3461. Extract from Bnl/P14.5.19. SHOCK ABSORBERS. X.3461.A Regarding front shock absorbers, the position is very difficult, as we find out on investigation that the fitting of the new type connecting link, which it was intended to apply to the old bracket on the front axle, necessitates the lengthening of the ball fitting on this bracket. This bracket has, in the past been found to be weak and the increased length of the ball fitting will still further increase its unreliability. The two alternatives are to delay until we have the new scheme provided by Mr. Royce in which the ball fitting is bolted directly to the web of the front axle, or, to return completely to the old type with small balls and link. The new scheme I consider will be sufficiently experimental to require testing before standardising, and consider it safest to return completely to the old scheme for a time. 50 sets therefore of the old scheme completely will be put in hand, and the works are requested to proceed after that, from hand to mouth. Special efforts will be made to complete the new scheme at the earliest possible date, and this can of course be fitted to the chassis at the coachbuilders or after deliverym which I think may prove desirable. I cannot be sure that the chassis would not be delayed if we decided to wait for the new scheme. | ||