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).
The handling dangers of front-wheel brakes, specifically concerning front-wheel skid during cornering.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\K\October1923\ Scan83 | |
| Date | 1st October 1923 | |
| R.R. 493A (40 H) (SL. 42 12-7-23). J.H., D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} EXPERIMENTAL REPORT. Expl. No. 9940 REF: HMA/L.S.S.10.23. might be serious. The fact of the turning circles on the 40/50 being increased from 47 ft. and 50 ft. to 58 ft. when front brakes are fitted, will mean that the car will need more shunting. The hand brake is not much use when shunting because both hands are needed on the steering wheel. The short experience we have had with effective front wheel brakes makes us appreciate the dangers. We have taken the precaution to carry out the tests on roads where there is no danger if we went off the road, and we have several times gone off the road on the corners owing to a front wheel skid. It is very noticeable that if the front wheel brakes are applied with a steady pressure (not sufficient to skid the wheels) and that if the right-angle turn is taken, the front wheels will immediately skid and all control of the steering is lost. We have experienced front wheel skids when we have not anticipated them and since that experience we consider it is essential that the brakes should be arranged so that there is no danger of the front wheels skidding on a corner. We are arranging to try the effect of our brakes with the Equaliser arranged to take off one front brake when on the lock. It would appear the right brake to be released is the outside wheel brake. After the experience of front wheel skids we can see the reasons why some makers with 4-wheel brakes release the whole of the front braking when the steering is put on the lock. It would appear possible to allow very much contd:- | ||