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).
Test report on the effects of front springs, lubrication system, and front roll-rod on the vehicle's ride and handling.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 101\2\ scan0116 | |
| Date | 13th October 1936 | |
| ( 2 ) On connecting up the roll-rod again joggles were reduced but not up to previous standard. Examination showed that the pre-load had diminished but was still there. There is also a tight place near each lock exactly similar to the cam fitted to GTL.80, Mrs. Rawitzer's car. Front Springs to FirthsDr.I72 Lubrication System Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}72 & Front Roll-Rod. The general stability and control is much improved but there is no reduction in the bumpiness of the ride with the standard damper settings, 40 lbs front & rear. The car remains stable under all conditions with the damper control "soft" where previously full damping was required to prevent rolling and side sway. The car is much easier to steer as there is no longer any need to allow for rolling in setting ones course, and the car corners well with the dampers"soft". The rear seat ride is better on very bad roads as one is not thrown about so much in seat, on account of the improvement of the general balance of the suspension and steadying effect of the roll-rod. On ordinary main roads where one was not thrown about anyway, there is no improvement as the roughness complained of is still present. In view of the fact that the car now rides and controls well with the dampers "soft", we are continuing the experiments with reduced initial damper poundages so as to increase comfort at low speeds and on good roads. With the roll-rod disconnected, the car was very unstable on bad roads and the frame shivered from stem to stern, shaking the whole car, and one was thrown about sideways due to roll and sway, in a most uncomfortable manner. Steering joggles were also bad. As far as up and down movement was concerned, the ride was softer and better, but this was negatived by the other discomforts. The roll-rod was connected up again. It has been found that the car is just as sensitive to tyres pressures with the new springs & roll-rod. If the back tyres are let down to 30 lbs, ahe car rolls and oversteers, and the side sway makes the rear seat ride uncomfortable. 30 lbs in front and 35 lbs in the rear gives the best all round results as before. ---------------- GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux} Ivan M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Waller. | ||