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 performance, axle modifications, and shock absorbers on the 12-EX model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 17\3\ Scan055 | |
| Date | 1st August 1926 | |
| To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} CWB. c. to EY. PN.{Mr Northey} OY. X7430 RE. STEERING ON 12-EX. X.7430 X.7420 X.235 I understand you agree to the following :- SUBJECT TO PROMPT CORRECTION IF INACCURATE. That the new lighter axle fitted to the above car has not in any way been detrimental to the steering, but that this axle, owing to its more constant and reliable lubrication, may require additional damping friction to the steering system, and this you have arranged to be tested by fitting extra friction washers as arranged for the 20 HP. also. That you are not disappointed in the action of the hydraulic shock dampers except as regards the rear ones being damaged by stones, but that these too, although doing all we can reasonably expect of them, are insufficient by themselves under suitable circumstances to prevent steering wobbles. The reason I write this is because I want to prevent anxiety as regards production of both the axle and the front hydraulic shock dampers, and the situation is rather that we have to add further damping friction to the steering system to enable the 40/50 to run at high speeds with balloon tyres. It should be realised that all the steerings which have been thought good have been even slower than the slowest R-R for instance, Hispano, Panhard, and Bentley, therefore if we are still disappointed as regards road shocks, and ease of steering, [strikethrough]and[/strikethrough] we should try a still slower pitch, say another 10% - i.e. the .940 would be about .850, but not alter the .720 because [strikethrough]taxixx[/strikethrough] it is only just reversible. Slower steering, and stiffer buffer springs (1100 lbs. per inch.) are reported to have improved the 20 HP. quite definitely. There seems nothing vital about any of the best comparative steerings which we cannot have with our standard parts very slightly modified by axle damping, steering damping, speed of steering, and irreversibility. The other mechanical features are equal except the Lancia Lambda which has faults that would prevent its adoption. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||