[KBear]

Just a simple question with maybe not a simple answer.

Why is there a hole in the castings on each side of the spokes? Is there a specific purpose for these? Is it a casting design to make for a better casting? This is just a question I've been thinking of for a while. Just curious.

 

[Hammerhead]

Drainage

 

[ninjanut]

Weight savings! LOL 😂

 

[KBear]

Look a little closer. See where the spoke meets the rim. On each side of the spoke there is a round hole molded into the casting. It's as if you could bolt something to it. If it's there just for a design feature, I would think that would be more trouble than it worth to add to the casting. I don't see them as drain holes.

 

[Slorg442]

Look a little closer. See where the spoke meets the rim. On each side of the spoke there is a round hole molded into the casting. It's as if you could bolt something to it. If it's there just for a design feature, I would think that would be more trouble than it worth to add to the casting. I don't see them as drain holes.

I looked to see if I could find anything like a wheel cover or hubcap. Didn't see anything. The holes are on many different models. So my guess would be part of the manufacturing process, possibly the contact points for moving, painting, heat treating, etc. The video I came across mentioned centrifugal style forming, like a potters wheel.

 

[Slorg442]

Might just be a thermal or material design addition seeing as it is on a bracing flange. Holes can add strength and prevent cracking.