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).
Accident with chassis 21-RM, detailing a known fault with 4-wheel brakes when applied while steering.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 73\3\ scan0313 | |
| Date | 12th May 1925 | |
| R.R. 493A (50H) (D.B. 175 25-9-24) J.H.D. X9940 EXPERIMENTAL REPORT. Expl. No. REF: Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}7/LG12.5.25. To BJ. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to EY. c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to D/L. CHASSIS 21-RM{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} - MRS. GORING. X9940 4117 With reference to D/LA{L. A. Archer}/B12.5.25 and the letter attached from Mr. Claremont of the 8th.inst. We can quite conceive that the accident occurred as described in these letters. It has been known that this could happen. It was solely to reduce this effect that the parallel control for the front axle was schemed and designed. On experimental cars we have reproduced similar occurrences which caused the car to go off the road. We chose a suitable road on which to carry out the test. To produce the effect one has to apply the brakes hard, have the steering turned on a fair lock and to be holding the steering wheel lightly. Depending on the freeness of the steering and the efficiency of the front brakes, this fault can be demonstrated on any 40/50 car fitted with 4-wheel brakes. In the Instruction Book, drivers are warned very definitely against applying the brakes when the steering is turned. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||