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).
Issues with current shock absorbers and proposals for a new design.
| Identifier | Morton\M19\ img015 | |
| Date | 8th February 1931 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} K.{Mr Kilner} c. Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} X. 235. X. 7520. X. 5520. SHOCK ABSORBERS. We are not satisfied with the present position of shock absorbers, although we can look forward to our new design overcoming our troubles in the future. The position is that we have thousands of shock absorbers on cars on the road, and we still have a big stock on hand not sold and in the process of manufacture, a number of shock absorbers being made. The Quarterly Lists' show that of customer's complaints, shock absorbers are one of the worst features. On the last car we ran in France - 18.C.IV. it will be seen by Day/Knights report that this failed twice, owing to the valves not seating properly. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} has pointed out that the 'Delco' piston will go into our shock absorber without modification. We have built up some R-R shock absorbers using the 'Delco' form of piston with stiffer shaft and lever, a print of this is attached. Another point with regard to shock absorbers is that we quite agree with your criticism that with the lower deflection springs as fitted to 18-EX. it is necessary to increase the shock absorber loads. It is necessary to increase them considerably, and we are rather frightened to do this until we have carried out modifications so that they will not develop knocks and noises. Our recommendation is that we immediately adopt the split piston, stiffer shaft and arm. On any future castings we might arrange to have the replenishing valves in the piston which we consider would be economical and perhaps more reliable. We attach herewith a further modified shock absorber which has these features. We have proved definitely, to obtain the best riding with the higher shock absorber loads we should have a pressure velocity effect. The simplest way of achieving this is by drilled valves. | ||