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).
General notes on chassis performance, including suspension, steering, and braking.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 108\1\ scan0200 | |
| Date | 10th September 1937 | |
| 12. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMR.3/MB.10.9.37. General Notes on Chassis. The general suspension characteristics for a rear seat ride were good. The front of the car was continually hitting the buffers, causing harshness, but not much noise. Slightly higher poundage front springs are to be tried to overcome this trouble. An objectionable feature on 22.G.V in France was side sway in the rear seat on straight cambered or uneven roads and rolling on corners. The new chassis is free from these objections and notably good in this respect. The steering was very good. It was not quite so free from joggles as Wraith wheel movement on Phantom III. as fitted to 35-EX. in France, but was in no way bad in this respect. Wheel wobble could not be produced at any time. The directional control and handling on corners were most reassuring and the steering was at the same time very light to RR. Standards. This was with 6.50" - 17" tyres at 30lbs/sq." all round as specified. With pressure in front tyres reduced to 25lbs/sq." the extra heaviness in the steering was felt and the handling less pleasant on corners, but directional stability was improved. The brakes were powerful, and light and progressive in operation, and generally acceptable under all conditions. Under extreme conditions the near side front brake did more than its intended share of the work and eventually the liner cracked. Squeaks occured from all drums. The brakes have now been re-lined with facings with a higher lead content in an attempt to cure squeaks. Tipping shoes were not fitted but are recommended for production. | ||