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 performance, tyre issues, and the condition of the steering column and box.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 17\3\ Scan080 | |
| Date | 23th August 1926 | |
| contd :- -2- Our opinion of the steering as left by Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} is that at high speeds on good roads it is not so good as previously with 6.75" tyres by 10% for selectivity. There are no inclinations to wobble at either high or low speeds. On rough roads the shocks have been decreased by 75%; the selectivity on rough roads has been decreased by 25% at high speeds. We do not like the effect upon the steering at high speed when a rear tyre bursts using 6.75" tyres. The steering is much more difficult to control than when using 33 X 5" s.s. tyres or 6" tyres. We have had the usual experience of both rear tyres being punctured at the same moment. These were slow punctures and they had the effect of making it impossible to steer the car straight. It gradually got worse as the tyres deflated. they were not flat when taken off - approximately 10 lb/sq.in. pressure. Extract from GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}2/RP23.8.26 :- STEERING COLUMN & BOX. The steering column, box and support are in good condition. Anchorage to frame has remained secure. There is a slight leak of oil from bottom of steering column flange. The leak of oil from pendulum is rather excessive and it has been necessary to refill the box with two syringes of oil every 1000 miles. Wear has taken place between rocker shaft levers and steering nut. This is very noticeable. When the box is hot. when cold it is not so noticeable. The controls in steering column have not rattled and no binding effect has taken place. STEERING. This has got slightly worse since our last report. It's selectivity is not so good. On very bad roads distinct shocks can be felt on steering wheel when travelling fast or when coming off a good road on to the bad roads. This is very often the case when driving at night. The self-centering is slightly better. There has been no sign of high or low speed steering wobble. 6.75" tyres have been used. The steering is definitely more affective with these tyres on the rear - when they are slow punctured it is impossible to steer straight. The friction measured on the periphery of steering wheel has decreased from 5.5 lbs. to 3.3 lbs. during the last 3000 miles. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} W. Hancock. | ||