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).
Tests and fitting issues with the Houdaille Shock Absorber.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 25\2\ Scan039 | |
| Date | 28th April 1921 | |
| X.1152 BJ. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}1/LG28.4.21. X1152 THE HOUDAILLE SHOCK ABSORBER With reference to your BJ13/H26.4.21 and to correspondence attached re the above. Some years ago we carried out tests with the Houdaille Shock Absorbers. We have several sets in the Experimental Stores at the present time. Mr. Royce and we appreciate that there are advantages in the Houdaille system which is the hydraulic shock absorber free in one direction. The difficulty with all standard shock absorbers is to fit them satisfactorily to our cars. The range of movement on our springs is much more than the average car. In order to make a satisfactory job of fitting the "Houdaille" to our cars, it would mean redesigning them. We believe the Houdaille people overcome some of the difficulties in attaching them by fixing the shock absorber to the axle and having a ball joint on the frame. Mr. Royce would never agree to this. Mr. Royce has stated lately that he intends to design a hydraulic shock absorber which only works one way. This is the same principle as used on the "Houdaille". I shall be seeing Mr. Royce next week and will get him to say whether any useful purpose would be served by making further tests on the Houdaille Shock Absorber. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||