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).
Clarifying the position and proposed modifications for the 20 HP steering system.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 106\3\ scan0117 | |
| Date | 15th November 1926 | |
| To C. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to PN.{Mr Northey} c. to CWB. X5430 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}5/LG15.11.26 20 HP. STEERING. XL118/X5450 With reference to C1/C13.11.26 and C5/C13.11.26. We think it would be as well to clarify the position of the 20 HP. steering. A new steering fitted with the .700 nut and worm and stiffer steering column fixed in a similar manner to the Phantom, ran a 10,000 miles test early this year and was standardised on the 14.6.26. Sales were consulted as regards when this new steering column should come on to production, and it was agreed, owing to the fact that there were not many complaints on the 20 HP. steering, that we were not justified in scrapping all the existing material. In consequence of this the new steering is not yet being fitted to production cars. A similar box and column were specially designed by R.{Sir Henry Royce} so that it could be fitted to existing cars. This means of course a complete new steering. In conjunction with the new steering we also alter the springs in the side steering tube. An .800 nut and worm have been made and tested which can be fitted in the existing box on the 20 HP. The improvement however in our opinion was not sufficient. R.{Sir Henry Royce} has since instructed a .750 nut to be produced and tested. This will also go into the existing box. The tests on the .750 nut are not yet completed. The side steering tube springs which have given satisfaction on Mr. Guy Knowles's car are those which become standard with the new steering. It is possible to fit these new springs without waiting for the new steering. We however have carried out comparative tests by changing the springs only, and we do not consider that we could satisfy customers who complain with this alteration only. Extra friction discs in the pivots were standardised on the 13.5.26 and all cars at present being delivered are equipped with this device. We consider it is probable that the chief improvement obtained on Mr. Knowles's car was due to the extra friction which was added. We are certain that the modifications which were made contd :- | ||