Taking a look at the FSM I have says all the idlers are 39 N·m (4.0 kgf-m, 28.9 ft-lb), sounds like the bolt was just over stressed and bit the dust.

 

@Sid51x
Yea, I checked the FSM but that specific idler was conveniently not mentioned in the install/torque procedure lol. Thanks for the response. Might just take it to 20ish ft-lb and call it a day on the reinstall.

 

You could always do a dab of Loctite blue on it to give you some additional piece of mind.

 

@BeatupVR4 For sure. I did that to begin with 😊

 

Take a look at item (14). It’s not identified very clearly, like the others. But the torque should be 18 ft-lbs.

If in doubt, look up a Bolt torque chart (search internet), from a reputable fasteners manufacturer or retailer. Keep in mind, that you need to consider the grade/quality of bolt (hi-tensile numbers identified on head), the diameter of bolt, its function, and what type of material its screwing into.

Accuracy of torque wrench is important too. Not just, brand, model, price, and currency of calibration. But, any adapters, extensions, or uni joints etc. between wrench and fastener; as they will effect actual torque vs indicated torque. Torque Specs are for ideal assembly conditions (not when other components are in the way).

Also consider the physical length and torque range of your wrench. Generally a torque wrench will be most accurate in the middle of its range, less accurate at extremities. If you have a long wrench, with a very wide torque range (and using it at its lowest detectable setting); any error, and any torque applied after the ‘click’, is likely to be comparably large for a small fastener.

 

@Dogs Appreciate all the info. Incidentally, when I went to pick up the bolt yesterday, at my local subaru dealership. I asked the tech there, if he could look in his system to find out what the bolt in particular was supposed to be fastened down to. After about 10-15 mins of sifting thru the service manuals he had in the computer, he came back with 18.4 ft-lbs. Which sorta surprised me cuz everything I read and everyone I talked to told me 28.9 ft-lbs 🤷🏼‍♂️ Glad I got it sorted out before I went to re-install. I'm gonna go with the 18.1 ft-lbs from the info you provided. All I need is to snap another bolt lol. Thanks again.

 

Did an Aisin kit last week, and the instructions only show the other bolts. Even tho it's a different size socket (smaller) I wasn't smart enough to change the torque setting on my torque wrench. When it felt funny as it tightened I took it back out and looked at it. It was noticeably stretched. Had to wait for the dealer to get one.

 

Sorry for the extra pics. Meant to just post the bolt thumbnail.

 

@relic48 I hear ya. I had to wait 3 days for the dealer to get the bolt in. Weird AISIN doesn't bother to put the specs for ALL the bolts. With such detailed install instructions you'd think they'd include that crucial info.

 

you'd think they'd

The person creating the instructions and the person approving it, also missed the spec. Which is a flaw in quality control and technical expertise.

Highly likely, that these staff, are not mechanically trained staff, so would not see the significance of their omission. They are more likely to be media and graphics trained (if not farmed out to a contractor).

The original Subaru workshop manual creators, are somewhat responsible; for making it unclear, or not consistently following the labelling protocol, as with other fasteners in the manual (or at least the pulleys on that set of instructions).

If enough people complained to AISIN, about broken bolts, or the lack of a torque spec; then they might amend their instructions (but sadly these days, only if they feel legal impunity). Typically, companies will just refer to their disclaimer, that they recommend that parts be fitted by a qualified person; even though it would be incredibly easy to amend the instructions (as well as, maintain a higher level of professionalism).