Variable-nozzle assembly for a turbocharger

A variable-nozzle assembly for a turbocharger, comprising:

• a generally annular nozzle ring and an array of vanes circumferentially spaced about the nozzle ring and rotatably mounted to the nozzle ring such that the vanes are variable in setting angle for regulating exhaust gas flow therethrough;
• an insert having a tubular portion and having an annular nozzle portion extending generally radially out from one end of the tubular portion, the nozzle portion having a substantially planar first surface facing axially toward the nozzle ring and an opposite substantially planar second surface, the insert defining a plurality of axially extending holes extending entirely through a thickness of the nozzle portion defined between the first and second surfaces, the holes being spaced apart from one another along a circumferential direction of the nozzle portion and being proximate a radially outer edge of the nozzle portion;
• a plurality of spacers circumferentially spaced apart and having first ends joined to the nozzle ring, opposite second ends of the spacers engaged in the holes in the nozzle portion of the insert and secured to the nozzle portion by welds formed at the second surface;
• and
• a pair of discrete recesses for each hole, each pair of recesses being formed in the second surface of the nozzle portion and the recesses of each pair being proximate to sides of the respective hole, the recesses extending partially through the thickness of the nozzle portion.