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).
High-speed steering control issues, attributing them to flexible suspension rather than the steering mechanism.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\O\2April1926-June1926\ Scan134 | |
| Date | 19th May 1926 | |
| Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}4/LG19.5.26. HIGH SPEED STEERING CONTROL Both R-R models have recently been severely criticised with regard to the way in which they behave at high speeds when compared with cars such as the Sports Sunbeam and the Hispano Suiza. The complaint is that they cannot be placed to an inch when being driven at high speeds. The fault has been attributed to the steering. In our opinion the present standard RR. steering is not responsible for a large proportion of the lack of control at high speeds. We consider that the trouble is mainly due to the exceptionally flexible suspension required to provide for low speed riding comfort. This trouble is aggravated by large and somewhat top-heavy bodies frequently fitted. We maintain it is not possible to build a car that will defy criticism when used both for shopping and speeds of 75 to 80 m.p.h. There is no doubt that it is difficult to locate the cause of poor steering at high speeds. We believe, however, that one of the main factors is the strength and amount of damping employed on the rear springs. Whenever we spring a car for comfort at low speeds and the car goes to France, we have complaints that the steering is not selective at high speeds. The last 10,000 miles 20 HP. is a good example of this fact. We suggest the following test to anyone who doubts the statement. Take a normal 40/50 HP. car (as this attains most easily the high speeds complained of) sprung for comfort i.e. with at least 8" deflection on the rear springs contd :- | ||