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 performance and faults found in the servo and steering systems.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 91\1\ scan0397 | |
| Date | 7th June 1935 guessed | |
| -12- Servo Countershaft LOP.G. 82820. Servo Motor Mechanism. LOP. G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 83295. N. Sch. 4669/4428/4606. Servo Drive. LOP. G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 82821. N Sch. 4582. The servo has not been dismantled or examined. It has been very efficient and stood up well. It squeaked on occasions, and sometimes appeared to jagger, which could be felt through the foot pedal. This naturally had an effect on the front brakes, which gave the impression of a judder. There was considerable noise coming from the links and connections on the return pedal, movement, due to slackness as pins, etc., resulting in 1/4" loss in pedal movement. The friction damper for the swinging arm maintained its set well and did not require alteration throughout. Steering Column & Box. Marles Type. LOP. F.{Mr Friese} 87743. The steering column was free from whipping and no noticeable rattle developed from the controls. Steering stability and directional qualities were poor until driver got used to it, and it seemed that the castor action was too good as the steering appeared to be heavy at medium speeds. No leaks from the box were noticed. Slight tendency to transmit road shocks but was not uncomfortable to hold. After approximately 4,000 miles, the front wheels developed a wobble at 35-45 m.p.h. and made the car uncertain to drive through towns and villages. The front tyres were renewed and this immediately restored the steering back to normal. The tyres were found to have worn on the inside and shewed high lumps at equal intervals. The steering was effected by severity of the front braking, and frequently had the tendency to dive one way or the other. The preloading of the cam has quite disappeared, allowing the swinging arm a free movement of 1/16" at the vertical position. We noticed that the N.S.F. cross steering tube was fouling the exhaust piping on severe bumps. Side Steering Tube. LOP. F.{Mr Friese} 87178. N. Sch. 4497. We found the securing nut of the front side steering tube ball and half a turn loose, but although it was tightened up it was again found slack on being dismantled in Derby. It would appear that the taper is at fault, allowing this to happen. The spring loading at the bottom of the pendulum lever developed a knock, and the springs were found to be loose. We therefore washered up the spring by .075" in order to increase the initial loading on the springs. | ||