Wheel mounting flange outer tabs (REAR AXLE SHAFT)
 

Does anyone know what function(s) do these tabs in the outer face of the wheel mounting flange of rear axle shafts have? Are they some kind of stress reliever, such as the fillet radius in the base of the shaft (around the bearing seating spot)?



https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...4829c992d4.png



An axle shaft I sourced from a junkyard has damage on those tabs, and I'm trying to determine what kind of consequences can be expected from it.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...90a85f9291.jpg



Thanks!

If the axle is otherwise sound, those pecker tracks mean nothing. Some people should not be allowed to play with complex tools like hammers.

Definitely.


But anyway, do you happen to know what is the purpose/function of those tabs?

Don't know for sure, but I expect that they help to facilitate handling the axle during forging and subsequent machining operations.