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 complaints on the Phantom model and the costs of proposed modifications to the steering worm.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 67\4\ scan0114 | |
| Date | 1st June 1926 | |
| X8430 To Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} From BJ. Copy to R.{Sir Henry Royce}, Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} [Struck through] P.N. [Struck through] OWB. [Struck through] C. [Struck through] Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} [Struck through] H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} [Struck through] HP. [Struck through] Hm.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} [Struck through] Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Re Steering - Phantom. BJ15/E4/6/26 Confirming our conversation of yesterday:- R1/M17/5/26 says: 'Complaints of road shocks can only be thoroughly met by large 'slow pitch worms...... 'I do not believe more flexible longitudinal springs sufficiently 'drastic improvement. 'Do not spare expense in meeting this complaint. 'All cars going abroad should be as perfect as possible. 'Where it is difficult to change to larger diameter worm, try 'slower pitch worm of .940 and more flexible longitudinal springs, 'but do not attempt this cure where it is possible to change 'the box to larger dia. worm.' Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}6/M22/5/26 says: 'Slower pitch worm on all cars going abroad. 'The cost of supplying and fitting new nut and worm to steering 'columns on cars already made would be £12.12.0 per car. This 'provides for the alteration being made at the Derby Works, 'therefore, the cost of sending cars to the Works and redelivering 'them would have to be added:- By rail the cost might be £12 per car. " road " " " £5 " " 'The cost of sending men out to remove existing columns, plus the cost of supplying and fitting new intermediate ratio of worm and nut of .940 lead to the columns returned to the Works would be approx. £17.17.6 per car.' 735 chassis have been made with the 1.125 worms which have been the cause of complaint. It is difficult for us to know how many customers may complain of steering on these cars and, therefore, how many we shall have to alter, at approximately £25 per car if they are sent to Derby, but if we change them all, it would be a loss to us of £18,375. | ||