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 front suspension and radiator stays of the 32-EX, Phantom III.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 95\2\ scan0226 | |
| Date | 28th August 1937 | |
| CHATEAUROUX. [Handwritten]: 34b also 30DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} To. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 32-EX. PHANTOM III. FRONT SUSPENSION. Having replaced the plain bearings at both ends of the top triangles by needle bearings, the front of the car became practically as free as a standard car. On the road the car at first felt slightly harsh for a town carraige. This impression may have been magnified by (a) the general suspension noises, (b) comparison with 26.G.VI. which has softer front springs and insufficient damping. On the open road it was noticeable that the damping was only slightly in excess of that required. By fitting smaller effective area bellows to the front dampers, there is a good chance that the remaining plain bearings will in no way harm the soft riding of the car. Although all the highly loaded bearings which were removed and had had sufficient lubrication were in good condition; there was one bearing which had been short of oil and had partly seized. As we have never had these suspension needle bearings suffering from shortage of oil, it shows that there is greater importance for adequate lubrication with plain bearings. As there should now be a set of plain bearings with Duprene glands for Wraith, the strip of 32-EX.combined with the detail cost figure will show where plain bearings should be fitted to the next car. RADIATOR TRIANGULAR STAYS. The radiator movement on 32-EX. has been bad and responsible for considerable noise. Although by removing the triangular stays the radiator was not stationary, there was a large improvement. Luckily 32-EX. appears to be an exception, as other Phantom III enjoy triangular radiator stays without criticism of radiator movement. However, if complaints of radiator movement begin, it will be worth reverting to the single central stay. We suggest that 39-EX. should have a single stay. | ||