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).
Investigation into slack steering on chassis 3-CP-114, concluding it was caused by an accident that twisted the rocker shaft.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 95\1\ scan0458 | |
| Date | 30th November 1937 | |
| 350. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} New O.K. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} CHASSIS 3-CP-114. RE: SLACK IN STEERING. Zographos. We have just received the steering column referred to in Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}16/E.24.11.37. There was 4" slack in the wheel, which would justify the statement made by Ps. in this direction. When we dismantled the steering gear, however, we found that the car had obviously been in an accident, the serrations on the shaft being twisted at least 10°. We also found that one of the roller bearings which carries the follower roller had collapsed as a result of the blow which had twisted the serrations on the rocker shaft. The accident must have occurred between the car leaving our Test Department and being delivered to Sr., the nature of the accident being that the car was apparently driven into an obstacle of some description. It would probably be difficult to trace just how and where the accident occurred, but there can be no doubt as to the facts, the twist in the rocker shaft being such as to demand a very serious blow indeed to cause it. I am sending the rocker shaft in question to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} to demonstrate the serious nature of the blow, as illustrated by the twist in the rocker shaft. [Handwritten] F.J.H. I want to know what sort of a blow is required to twist the drop arm serrations as on this car. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||