What is this hole for?

[Charles Schefer]

As noted in another post I am in the process of reassembling the refinished landing gear on my PA-30. I noticed that on the nose gear fork there is a small hole above the wheel axle. I've attached a picture to show what I am referring to. I noticed the paint shop did not paint it. At first I thought something must bolt in there though I couldn't think what or why. I checked pictures from before dis-assembly of the gear and sure enough - there is the hole just sitting there empty. I thought I ought to paint it. Then I started wondering - is this a connection point for some sort of towbar? Normally I've always seen the aircraft towed by a bar that fits into the axle cups. Not sure I'll be happy with that approach now that my axle cups are nicely painted but that may just be life... anyway... any idea what this hole is for? Pic attached below...

Thanks,

- Charles

[Steve Marcozzi]

I think it's where the brake caliper bolts on. If you have double fork main gear legs you'll see that all three are the same.

Steve

[N3322G]

Not for the tow bar - the two little ones on the nose are for the original tow bar that stowed on the front surface of the middle seats.

[Charles Schefer]

Thanks Steve and Pat.

Pat - yes I know the holes you mean for the factory tow bar and I have one of those. I just wondered if they might be for a different type but I was grasping at straws.

Steve - thanks I have single fork mains so wouldn't have noticed. My brakes go on differently. Maybe that's it. Guess I'll paint the holes so there's no bare metal.

- Charles

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

Charles,
Steve is exactly right. Those are unused holes when the fork is used in the nosegear location.
Zach

[Charles Schefer]

Thanks Steve / Zach. I'll definitely paint those holes then as I have no intention of having a nose brake