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).
The condition and performance of steering system components, including the worm and box, and side and cross tubes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5a\2\ 02-page390 | |
| Date | 30th January 1931 guessed | |
| -9- STEERING WORM AND BOX to LOP F.56880 "C" TOE STEERING. NICKEL PLATED FINISH. It has not been necessary to add any oil to the steering box throughout the mileage as no leaks have occurred. The worm and nut are in a very good condition, no slack can be felt in any of the bearings and there is no sign of any of the bolts fastening the nut having stretched or become loose (i.e. complaint) The only detrimental feature to be noticed is a slight picking up on the pendulum lever shaft opposite the bigur oil supply. A small piece of foreign matter had evidently got through. The control tubes showed no signs of seizing. The nickel plating remained in good condition. The rattles from the controls were very slight and would not be taken objection to. SIDE STEERING TUBE to LOP F.56003. The side steering tube has remained free from knocks. The ball end pins had been amply lubricated. The friction load had dropped to 3 lbs taken at 11 radius from 5 lbs during 5,000 miles. The loss is caused by the wear of the ball contacts, but it is noticeable that the lighter friction load keeps more consistent which proves that the area of contact is not sufficient for the higher load. CROSS STEERING TUBE to LOP G.53601. The cross steering ball contacts had been amply lubricated and showed full area of contact. The friction load had again dropped from 11 lbs. to 6.5 lbs. at 11" radius, a loss of 49.5% in friction load. The springs had not taken a permanent set and were correct to drawing. Therefore, as on the side steering tube the wear of the ball contacts were the cause of the loss in friction, the area of contact not being sufficient for the load of 600 lbs. STEERING The steering has been free from any violent shocks from the steering wheel. The joggles as reported varied in intensity according to the speed, and conditions of the roads traversed. The stability of the steering is good under all normal conditions but where abnormal cambers are met there is a definite instability in regaining the crown of the road. The steering is also too easily affected by strong cross winds which make it unstable. The impression is that the control springs in the side steering tube should be higher rated. The steering has not been considered heavy for slow speeds and shunting, self centreing generally | ||