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 performance of exhaust fittings, steering gear, and front axle controls.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5a\4\ 04-page232 | |
| Date | 27th February 1935 | |
| -3- Exhaust Fittings. No.1436, Lec.Doub. Exhaust Manifold M.Sch.415B, Oil Shield over Front End of Silencer. Special Centre Studs, not waisted, in Austenitic Steel. The lagging of the intermediate pipe caused it to corrode and break off close to the front silencer. The special manifold contracted in the same manner as they have done previously, and at the finish of the test was binding hard on the studs. The stiffening pieces should be on the under side of the bends. The spherical anchorage of the rear silencer becomes dry and squeaks. The system is quieter than the present standard. The slight boom noticeable at first disappeared with running. The austenitic steel centre studs of the manifold did not stretch and we had little trouble with the nuts working loose. The oil shield over the front end of the silencer was a success in keeping down oily smells from the exhaust. Steering. Marles Steering Gear fitted. RX.1H53B Side Steering Tube with Bentley type springs fitted to rear end. This type of steering has been free from sticking on full locks, was reasonably light for manoeuvring. The joggles were considerably less than with the R.M. steering box. It was considered to be too direct; a lower ratio could be used with advantage, especially with the cutting out of the sponginess by the fitting of the Bentley type side steering tube springs. The steering was stable and selective. Oil leaked from the bottom nut holding the control tubes, also from the split bearing at the bottom of the column. The column was inclined to whip when travelling over pave and rough roads. Front Axle Controls. LOP. F.6027. The front axle control bearings had developed end play which caused a knock. The lubrication was not satisfactory. A No. 3 Bijur should be fitted to the present design. Roller bearings with a suitable thrust would be more satisfactory. The top spherical bearings were amply lubricated and no excessive wear had taken place. | ||