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Isuzu Hitachi 4HK1 6HK1 Engine Workshop Manual

Tools & consumables
- Floor jack and jack stands (rated to vehicle weight)
- Wheel chocks
- 1/2" drive breaker bar and 3/8" drive ratchet set
- Socket set & deep sockets (metric set, including 10–24mm commonly used)
- Combination wrenches (metric)
- Torque wrench (capable of vehicle torque range)
- Spring compressor (safety-rated, two-clamp style) OR new complete strut assembly (preferred)
- Ball-joint / tie-rod separator (pickle fork or puller)
- Pry bar and hammer
- Impact wrench (optional, speeds removal)
- Penetrating oil (PB Blaster or similar)
- Anti-seize and thread locker (as specified)
- Rubber mallet
- Brake caliper hanger or bungee cord
- Wire brush and rags
- New nuts/bolts if specified (corroded/torqued bolts should be replaced)
- Safety gear: safety glasses, gloves, steel-toe boots

Required replacement parts (recommended)
- New strut assembly (complete pre-assembled unit) OR rebuild kit:
- Strut cartridge or shock absorber
- Strut mount / bearing
- Coil spring (rare to replace unless worn)
- Dust boot / bump stop
- Top nuts and lower mounting bolts (replace if damaged or torque-to-yield)
- New sway bar endlink or hardware if worn
- New lower mounting bolts or nuts if specified by workshop manual
- New wheel studs/nuts if damaged

Safety first (must-read)
- Always support vehicle on jack stands — never rely on the jack alone.
- Chock opposite wheels.
- If disassembling a strut spring, use a rated spring compressor correctly. Compressed springs store lethal energy — improper use can cause serious injury or death.
- Consider buying a complete assembled strut if you’re not fully confident with spring compressors.
- Wear eye protection and gloves. Keep body clear of potential spring path.
- Disconnect battery if working near electronics/sensors to avoid damage.

Overview of procedure (step-by-step)
Note: This is a generic MacPherson strut replacement workflow. Follow the specific Isuzu/Hitachi workshop manual for exact torque values, bolt sizes, and vehicle-specific steps (engine-bay access, removal of strut tower covers, etc.).

1) Preparation
- Park on level ground, engage parking brake, chock rear wheels.
- Loosen front wheel lug nuts slightly (do not remove).
- Raise the vehicle with floor jack at correct jacking point. Place jack stands under sturdy pinch welds or designated lift points. Lower onto stands and confirm stable.

2) Wheel removal
- Remove the wheel to expose the strut, brake assembly, and steering knuckle.

3) Access & preliminary disconnections
- Spray penetrating oil on lower strut bolts, sway bar endlink nuts, top strut tower nuts (inside engine bay), and any seized hardware; allow time to soak.
- Support the steering knuckle/hub with a jack or stand to prevent it dropping once strut is removed.
- Unbolt and hang the brake caliper using a bungee or caliper hanger (do not let caliper hang by hose).
- Remove any brackets attached to strut: brake hose bracket, ABS sensor wire bracket, speed sensor, etc. Label or note locations.
- Disconnect sway bar end link from the strut (or lower control arm) if attached to the strut.
- Disconnect the steering tie rod end from the knuckle (if required to remove strut) using a tie-rod separator. Separate lower ball joint or control-arm-to-knuckle connection if necessary per vehicle design — support hub so CV axle isn't pulled.

4) Top strut nuts
- Open hood or remove strut tower cover. Remove the top three nuts/bolts securing the strut to the strut tower. Do not remove them completely now — back off a couple turns only if you want to avoid the strut falling when you unbolt bottom; many technicians remove top nuts only after supporting the knuckle.
- Confirm the hub/knuckle is fully supported before final removal of top nuts.

5) Lower strut bolts
- With hub supported, remove lower strut-to-knuckle bolts (usually two large bolts). Remove any alignment cams carefully — note orientation for reinstallation.
- Slowly remove the top strut nuts and withdraw the entire strut assembly from the vehicle.

6A) If installing a complete pre-assembled strut
- Compare new vs old; transfer any brackets/sensors as needed.
- Install new strut into strut tower, start top nuts hand-tight.
- Align lower strut to knuckle and insert lower bolts. Torque per workshop manual.
- Reattach sway bar link, brake hose bracket, ABS sensor, tie rod end, etc. Torque to spec.
- Refit wheel, lower vehicle slightly so suspension is supporting weight, torque wheel lug nuts to spec.
- Take vehicle for professional wheel alignment as soon as possible.

6B) If reusing original spring and replacing internals (only if you have the spring compressor and competence)
- Clamp the spring compressor to the spring per tool instructions; compress until spring tension is relieved from the top mount.
- Remove the top nut of the strut shaft. Carefully disassemble: remove mount, bearing, dust boot, bump stop, and shock cartridge.
- Replace failed components (shock cartridge, mount, bearing, bump stop, dust boot). Clean parts and apply anti-seize where appropriate.
- Reassemble strut: place spring and top mount, then decompress slowly, ensuring spring seats correctly in both upper and lower perches. Verify bearing orientation.
- Inspect for correct assembly, no clamp interference.
- Proceed to installation as in 6A.

How the main tools are used (practical notes)
- Floor jack & jack stands: lift at manufacturer jacking point and support on stable stands. Never rely on jack alone.
- Spring compressor: clamp opposite coils securely and evenly; compress a few turns alternately side-to-side so spring compresses straight. Use only rated compressors and follow tool instructions. Never use a single-ended compressor or jury-rigged method.
- Breaker bar / impact: used to break loose seized nuts/bolts. Use penetrating oil and heat if bolts are rusted. Avoid overstressing bolts with impact on torque-to-yield fasteners.
- Torque wrench: final tightening of suspension bolts must be to spec to avoid failure and ensure correct geometry.
- Ball joint / tie-rod separator: used to separate pressed joints without damaging threads. Use a puller where possible to avoid collapsing boot.

Common pitfalls & how to avoid them
- Not supporting hub/knuckle before removing lower bolts — risk of sudden drop, damage to CV axle and brake lines. Always support hub.
- Unsafe spring compression — use correct tool or buy pre-assembled strut.
- Reusing worn top mounts/bearings — causes noise and premature failure; replace with strut/shock.
- Forgetting to disconnect ABS/speed sensor or brake hose bracket — can rip hoses/wires.
- Reusing corroded lower bolts or studs — replace if threads are damaged; seized bolts can shear.
- Improper reassembly orientation of spring or mount — leads to noise and handling issues. Note clocking of strut if required.
- Not performing a professional wheel alignment after replacement — causes uneven tire wear and poor handling.
- Over-tightening or under-tightening bolts — always use torque wrench to factory specs.

Final checks
- Ensure all brackets and sensors are refitted and routed correctly.
- Torque all fasteners to factory specs (consult Isuzu/Hitachi service manual for 4HK1/6HK1 chassis-specific values).
- Check ride height and spring seat orientation.
- Lower vehicle, torque wheels to spec with vehicle on ground.
- Road test at low speed to confirm no noises, firm steering, and then proceed to full alignment shop.

Summary advice
- If unsure about using a spring compressor, buy a fully assembled replacement strut — safer and faster.
- Replace mounts, dust boots, bump stops with the strut to avoid early secondary failures.
- Always follow the OEM workshop manual for specific torque values and special instructions for the Isuzu/Hitachi model you’re working on.

No further questions.
rteeqp73

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