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 tests conducted in France, detailing conditions and arrangements for a new type of front axle.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\P\2July1926-September1926\ Scan072 | |
| Date | 1st August 1926 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to BJ. Nor. c. to RG.{Mr Rowledge} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} EY. c. to CY. ORIGINAL. EAC-Vlll - STEERING. During our recent tests in France on the new type front axle, we were able to conduct a series of experiments on various arrangements and strengths of side steering tube springs. The results obtained are of particular value because the circumstances for studying Continental conditions were ideal, the road available including long straight stretches of very good tarred surfaces, and also miles of exceptionally bad potholes. Conditions of steering for tests. We arranged the steering of 12-EX for these comparisons as follows :- 5 1/2 lbs. friction measured at the periphery of steering wheel, obtained by loading the ball ends of the cross steering tubes. No spring controlled movement on the balls in the cross steering tube. Parallel wheels. Backward pivot lean slightly greater than standard. Tyres used - 6.75" at 35 lbs/sq.in. Front axle arrangement to G.74294. Standard side steering tube. The main difficulty with the present opposed type of spring arrangement is that the load opposing the ball movement starts from O in every case no matter what set up contd :- | ||