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).
Stiff steering on trials cars, attributing the issue to improper lubrication of the steering pivots.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 20\2\ Scan029 | |
| Date | 23th June 1913 | |
| Ny9/DT19613. Ny. WOR{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}/CP4/T23613. June 23rd, 1913. With reference to the steering becoming stiff after running 40 or 50 miles on trials cars - We are familiar with this particular fault, which is in evidence in practically every chassis. In our opinion the stiffness has its origin in the steering pivots, rather than in the box, as we have noticed after driving fairly fast for a distance of about 20 miles or so, the pivots appear to have developed a certain amount of heat. It is a fact that after a stop of even an hour, the steering has freed itself, and we consider that it is simply a question of lubrication of the bottom and top pivot bushes. We find among chauffeurs who bring their cars into this Dept. that quite a number of them are not aware that the cap at the bottom of the pivot is intended to be used for lubricating the bottom bush, and who are under the impression that the only means of lubricating the pivot is by removing the cap "A" on figure 13, page 29 in the Instruction Book. The bottom cap which we refer to is shown in figure 14 on the same page, and this should be filled and screwed "home", this operation forcing the lubricant into the bottom bush. We merely mention this as a suggestion, as perhaps the bottom bushes of the Trials Cars are not lubricated in this manner sufficiently frequently. We are, however, making this the subject of an experiment, and we will keep you fully advised of any developments. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} | ||