the extra bolt, M10? It has a threaded, tapered tip


Hey,

I'm putting my 2004 lexus rx330 (FWD, canada make) back together after changing the head gasket. I've got the intake manifold and rear exhaust left to put back on and... there's a bolt left over. I've searched the internet, even just generically searching variations of "lexus bolt" with no success. It's not in my service manual that I can make out, nor can I find a hole to put it in. It's larger than most of the bolts in the engine (I think it's a 14 or 16 mm socket). It doesn't go in any pulleys, I've changed all the timing belt bearings, water pump, tensioner, but no spot for it. Nothing on the block matches.

does anyone have a clue or a name for this thing? The tapered, threaded tip is bizarre and suggest a specific function; it's not like any other bolt in the engine. It's also so big that it makes me feel like leaving it out would be problematic...

Any help would be greatly appreciated to give me some peace of mind and this car out of the garage.

 

It looks like it has red thread lock on it so its not used on the motor because the heat would melt (the thread locker) its a suspension component maybe?

 

I did find where it goes, I think it was a bracket around the rear of the engine (to the bottom right of the rear exhaust manifold) for mounting the vane pump.

Thanks for the help!