I am replacing the timing belt on a 1990 maxima.
Does the crankshaft pulley bolt loosen to the left or right?

Also, any suggestions pertaining to replacing the timing belt would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

I doubt if you should be touching the crankshaft pully at all (aside from rotating the engine to align all the marks on the crank & cams). You want to rotate the belt tensioner, to remove the tension on the belt, so you can remove/install it.

 

Whoops! I just realized that you are probably asking about the outer crankshaft pully, and not the inner one. There is no mention, in the manual, about it being a reverse thread. So I assume that it comes out the usual way.

 

If i remember right it's to the left. But i'm not 100% sure i can't remember that far back. But when you get it off, be sure not to loose the little key. Most likely it will fall as soon as you try to pull of the pulley so have something under it to catch it.

 

Its normal thread and really friggin tight. over 100ft-lbs torque is the torque spec i believe. I had to take my starter off and have someone hold the motor that way but if u have a manual thats not a problem. I have done the timing belt on mine...that crank pully can be a ***** to get off. The manual says it slides right off but i had to get a really big puller and get mine off...you may have better luck though. I have heard tensioning it right is really critical.i dont think i got mine right actually. so be careful and do it by the book quadruple-check all the timing marks b4 tryin to crank that baby too...otherwise u could tear up stuff bad.
Good luck