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).
Modifications to the steering pivot on 20 HP & 40/50 models to reduce road shocks.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 106\3\ scan0202 | |
| Date | 31th March 1928 | |
| V5430 To BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}3/LG31.3.28. 20 HP. & 40/50 STEERING. +8430 With reference to R1/M25.3.28. The only simple way we know of reducing road shocks at high speeds at the present moment is to push the plane of the wheel further from the plane of the pivot. We have always known that this was a palliative for the trouble, it is a question of whether the possibility of one front brake only being in action is likely to cause the steering to dive. As a matter of fact with our 15/1 overall ratio steering we are quite certain that we can go further out than at present without incurring the slightest danger from uneven front braking. What we want to be able to shew is that we can appreciate the benefit of moving the plane of the wheel on the present standard type of axle. Will you therefore please instruct a perfectly standard pivot in every respect with the exception that the wheel centre is moved ½" further from the plane of the wheel. i.e., we shall now get tyre contact 1.76 out of centrepoint. These pivots should be arranged to take the shunted friction as we propose to carry out the test on 12-EX car in France. This car will be xx leaving in about 3 weeks so we should like to urge the job. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||