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).
Solutions for steering oscillation, focusing on additional friction and centre point steering geometry.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 20\2\ Scan084 | |
| Date | 26th April 1920 | |
| X.963. To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from R.{Sir Henry Royce} Copy to CJ. " " En. " " Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} " " EFC. " " By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} " " PN.{Mr Northey} X.3791. RE STEERING (Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}1/LG23.4.20.) X.891. X.963. X.1242 I am very pleased to hear that the suggestion of additional friction to the steering pivots tends to damp out the uncomfortable oscillation caused after the starting gear has worn thoroughly free. To obtain the very best results and for safety, I consider it is imperative that we continue to aim at the most perfect centre point steering so as to remove as far as possible the source from which the shocks to the steering, or gear arise. With prfect centre point steering, as suggested in my last memo, the out-of-balance of the road wheel should not be found to affect the steering. Moreover, you have demonstrated that we can obtain any necessary dampling friction by the use of the fibre thrust washer or washers in place of the ball? Your impression is that one plain thrust produces all the friction that is desirable. I think this should be tried over and overagain until we are sure that this conclusion is correct. I am now relying on your testing the effect of the other two important suggestions which have been made, firstly, and principally, the use of the plain thrust washers in the steering column, and secondly, the effect of the radius rods in controlling the front axle, so that there shall be Contd. | ||