OEM Bolt

I know I am crazy for posting this, but it is a 2018 Tundra Crewmax (which I take lots of care) and I am OCD about certain things on my truck. I took my truck to the dealership for work on the steering rack. Inspecting the work afterwards, I noticed a bolt that looks different from the rest. Under where the steering column meets the steering rack (at the bottom of the rack), there is a bolt that seems different. Is this a shop bolt or an OEM bolt in the picture? In the picture, it has some blue paint on it. If you guys could let me know, I would appreciate it.

 

Looks oem to me. No mars on it. It’s never been touched. Lots of bolts come painted from the factory.

 

The head stamp is consistent with a Toyota Class 8T deep recess, flanged head bolt. The specified torque for bolt of that type in 12mm (~1/2) is 90 ft-lb. That would be consistent with torque value specified for the steering rack mounting bolts (2 @ 89 ft-lb). But this bolt appears to be where the pinion shaft housing bolts to the rack (part of the rack assembly). I have no torque value for that one.

Bolt heads will often receive inspector's paint marks during assembly, but a new bolt out of the parts bin should not be painted afaik. It appears the tech has the right bolt for the application, but there's no way to know it's origin. A good tech with good tools will not necessarily visibly mar a bolt head when removing and replacing...that bolt has been installed and torqued and still has no obvious marks on it. Maybe a new truck out on the sales lot is missing a rack bolt.

 

Looks ok to me,
I'm more concerned about what's going on with the steering rack?

 

The steering gets really stiff intermittently while driving fast or slow. The toe, caster and camber are within ranges. The dealership has checked the steering pump and said it is within range. I really think the steering pump may be going bad or the problem is with the belt.

 

Thanks for putting my mind at ease. I told myself something that isn't the case...this is the original bolt. I really appreciate the responses. I'm enjoying my Tundra even though I'm not sure what is up with the steering.