[SueBrew]

The long bolt broke over a year ago. I put in a replacement from my mechanics old screws bin that most likely came from another Japanese brand thinking it was a done deal. Fast forward to today, I've got belt squeal at startup. I'm to trying to order an OEM one because I don't want to take chances at the boneyard with a possible warped or slightly bent one but the dealership says that there are two thickness bolts. One is 1/4" and one is a 3/8". This is ridiculous especially when I had to give them the last 8 of my VIN to match the part!!! They want me to find out for sure because the nearest place that has either one of those part numbers is in NEBRASKA! 4-5 day turnaround.

My guess is that SoNA had to go to a thicker bolt because the 1/4" thickness kept on snapping?? I believe I have the thinner bolt, measuring at just over 2/8". Can someone please confirm, because I don't trust anyone in the screws/fasteners department at Home Depot® .

@bman400.... what do you think?

 

[bman400]

Here is the part #: 34435AA030

Here is the part diagram I used: 2001 Subaru Forester 2.5L AT S Power Steering Pump Mounting Bolt - 34435AA030 - Genuine Subaru Part

It's crazy as it's not listed with the Alternator, it's listed with the Power Steering Pump!

 

[Theseus161]

Subaru bolts/fasteners are mostly metric. Don’t force the wrong thread pitch and ruin the hardware.

 

[SueBrew]

Subaru bolts/fasteners are mostly metric. Don’t force the wrong thread pitch and ruin the hardware.

???? The DEALER has this part number thickness listed in their online Subaru parts ordering system as 1/4" or 3/8". It isn't something I'm suggesting.

 

[donkpow]

Can you get to the store and buy one each of a 1/4" and 3/8" bolt for comparison? Even if you are not going to use one of those bolts, you will know which size will fit your application.

 

[MaineSubadoox3]

Not sure if this help, used a kit like this from NAPA to fix my 08 Forester.

Idler Pulley Adjuster Bolt Kit

 

[SueBrew]

@MaineSubadoox3....

Good thinking... I actually DID consider using a kit like that, but all those kits were as this one is : Listed only to work with Toyota models that mostly feature the venerable 1MZ-FE 3.0L V6. This would have been a no brainer if I had the same problem on my '99 Avalon...

I was worried about the thickness of the bolt retainer block, and also the thread pitch of the short horizontally mounted bolt which would have to thread into the ˄ and ˅ movement side of the alternator. The block with the Subaru is a soft (zinc?) metal, which would flex and maintain tension on the belt over an extended.... perhaps 10+ years period of time.

 

[MaineSubadoox3]

You are correct, the kit I purchased was for a Toyota, however, all I can say is it’s working. Sometimes one should not over think it, many parts on Subarus have Mazda written on them. Respectfully

 

[SueBrew]

Update: Dealership said that the correct (INcorrectly indexed by SoNA) costs $30!!!
There was a 2001 Forester L at a bone yard all the way on the east side, with not much stripped. I paid $2.35 along with the 12mm short horizontal bolt (I took a drill with a socket extension to make sure the long bolt was not bent). I have a strong hunch that the parts guy was looking at the alternators' pivoting mount bolt as being the 3/8" inch thick screw. Sometimes I really feel sorry for the dudes who have to squint all day at those horribly sketched exploded diagrams on their high res computer monitors....

I think the belt squeal is actually coming from the power steering pump which is noticeably leaking fluid.