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).
Steering wobble issue in a 15-MC Cabriolet 'Phantom' during a demonstration.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 29\1\ Scan160 | |
| Date | 10th November 1925 | |
| COPY OF PN{Mr Northey}6/DN10.11.25. To BJ. From PN.{Mr Northey} c. to H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} and Bt.{Capt. J. S. Burt - Engineer} 15-MC - Cabriolet 'Phantom' Demonstration. Steering Wobble. This car was used by Bt.{Capt. J. S. Burt - Engineer} yesterday in connection with his work, and it appears that he was required to give a demonstration to Mr. S. Beeton, who is already an owner of a recent 'Silver Ghost.' At 75 m.p.h. a definite steering wobble developed, from which all passengers fortunately survived. On subsequent examination, the front tyres were found to be at 45 lbs. pressure. The nearside front wheel appeared to be balanced exactly, whilst the offside front wheel was out of balance by 4 ozs., this being the limit of want of balance allowed by present standard instructions. It would appear, therefore, that unless we are prepared to increase our tyre pressure on demonstration cars to 50 lbs. which would undoubtedly very seriously prejudice any impression of comfort when riding in them, the standard wheel balance should be made tighter, that is, I suggest that 2 ozs. out of balance should be the limit instead of 4; doing this should not be too difficult and would appear important in view of the consideration that at 60 m.p.h. the want of balance of 4 ozs. on one wheel, becomes an effective want of balance of 25 lbs. D.N. | ||