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).
Performance and characteristics of a vehicle's steering and exhaust systems.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 97\4\ scan0180 | |
| Date | 23th November 1938 | |
| -9- Steering. ~~Steering. Wraith type box. Original geometry for cross steering tubes.~~ ~~Wraith steering ratio. Zero caster angle.~~ ~~Needle roller pivots. No springs in side steering tube.~~ No mechanical failures were experienced and the steering did not deteriorate during the mileage. Fouls on the necks of the cross-steering tube ball pins and on the pendulum lever bijur coil were found when stripped but these did not affect the running. The lightness of the steering under all conditions more than compensated for the lower ratio. The steering characteristics were such that the wheel could be held perfectly steady all the way round long curves at maximum cornering speed. This characteristic rendered the car remarkably stable under all conditions besides considerably reducing driving fatigue. The car self-centred readily, and was easily kept straight under heavy braking, although it should be pointed out that there was less front braking than intended. The wheel was free from road shocks and joggles as long as the front dampers were working correctly. The only adverse feature was that on straight roads with uneven surfaces, it was necessary to be continually "steering" the car a little. This is what has been described as wandering, and an improved geometry for the cross steering tubes has been introduced to reduce this trouble. Exhaust System. ~~12 S.W.G. downtake pipe in S/M with fore and aft stays.~~ ~~NO front expansion box fitted.~~ ~~EX.32523 Front silencer suspension turned through 90° to give increased sideways flexibility.~~ ~~Single Burgess silencer.~~ ~~Swan neck tail pipe to suit 7" static deflection rear springs.~~ The latest exhaust system intended for B.V. was not available and the system fitted was to obtain experience and not intended for standardisation. The system was exceptional in covering the mileage without any failures of the front pipe. The effects of expansion and engine movement were adequately dealt with by the fore and aft stays and front suspension turned through 90°, this is an improvement over previous systems run in France. | ||