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).
Vehicle component performance for the propeller shaft, rear axle, suspension, and steering.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 97\5\ scan0203 | |
| Date | 2nd June 1939 | |
| -5- Propellor Shaft - Cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} The universal joint trouble experienced on the first test was overcome by the increased capacity joint fitted for the second test. The larger joints are instructed for production. Rear Axle. The semi-floating rear axle proved exceptionally free from trouble over the whole 50,300 miles, and appears generally more reliable than present standard. The gears picked up slightly on two occasions but recovered and no subsequent trouble occurred. The hub bearings became noisy and were replaced after 40,844 miles. Increased clearance bearings and improved lubrication is hoped to considerably increase this mileage. Wakefield's Hypoy axle oil was used and the amount lost during the mileage was negligible. Suspension, Steering etc. The ride was considerably better than present standard; the improvement being in evidence at low speeds in freedom from knobbiness, and in stability and ease of handling at high speeds even on the worst possible road surfaces. The lightness of the steering and the progressive control enable curves to be taken with greater ease and more confidence than present standard. The car is less affected when loaded to capacity and there is a marked freedom from side sway or swinging of the tail. In short, it is extremely pleasant an effortless to drive and ride in under all conditions. Tests carried out with Michelin Pilote tyres, which cannot, however, be used owing to insufficient clearance, indicate that more improvement in the handling can be expected in the future from tyre design, than any further benefit we can expect to achieve from suspension and steering development. Cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} | ||