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 improvements for the 12-EX car, focusing on new front axles and hydraulic dampers to reduce wobbles.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 55\3\ Scan245 | |
| Date | 20th August 1926 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} SY. c. to FN. CMB. c. to CY. R.{Sir Henry Royce} X235 Hal/LG23. 8.26! STEERING ON 12-EX CAR - RL/M20.8.26. X7430 X235 We are satisfied that the new front axle and the hydraulic dampers fitted to the front are definite improvements compared with the present standard parts. When we changed from the 1.125" lead to the .720" lead we made a marked improvement, but we feel confident that with the new axle and perhaps modifications to the side steering tube spring arrangement, we can still further improve the steering. If we add friction to avoid low speed wobbles (we can do this with the present lower geared steering without it being objectionable), we can then use lighter and set up springs in the side steering tube which you advocated some time ago. As regards the hydraulic dampers. These are more reliable and more consistent than the present friction type, they also reduce the tendency for high speed wobbles. The recent tests shew again that tyres are the biggest factor in starting high speed wobbles. This point is now being generally recognised because although we were criticised for expecting customers to balance wheels, this is now being done on all fast cars which have front brakes and use low pressure tyres. We have recently tested several makes of cars: we know that none of them are contd :- | ||