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).
On steering tests in France detailing the decision to abandon a new side steering tube due to control issues during emergency braking.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 17\3\ Scan068 | |
| Date | 1st September 1926 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} c. to BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} X7430 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rnl/LG2. 9. 26. 12-EX - STEERING TESTS IN FRANCE. X7450 X7820 We have abandoned the idea of recommending [improving crossed out] the steering by means of the new type of side steering tube in spite of its several very marked advantages. Our reasons for this decision are as follows :- While travelling at full speed on a straight road we had occasion to brake violently owing to a herd of animals being driven across the road. In spite of the fact that we were only on a very small lock, i.e. just enough to swerve round the obstruction, the steering took charge completely owing to the driver being unable to counteract the initial tendency to dive from the steering wheel, that is, the low rating large movement springs on this occasion removed the positive control necessary to check the dive in its initial stages. By a singular piece of luck, the car was not damaged. Under the circumstances we have reverted to the standard tube with 1500 lbs. springs having .100 more movement each end than normally. These springs give very good all round results, but have not the same anti-wobbling tendencies as the rejected tube. The difference between the 1500 lbs. and the 2000 lbs. springs with regard to steering shocks is most marked, we are trying to account for it but can see no reason as yet. Unless we detect something stupid, it looks as if the 1750 lbs. springs might be used contd :- | ||