brakes
Brake Bleed - All Four
for 1970 AMC Rebel Machine 390ci V8 · RWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.0 h
Tools
7
Steps
7
✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.
Bleed all four brake lines to remove air from the hydraulic system, ensuring proper brake pedal feel and stopping power on the 1970 AMC Rebel Machine.
Warnings
⚠️Brake failure can cause loss of vehicle control resulting in serious injury or death. If you experience soft pedal, unusual brake behavior, or are uncertain about any step, do not drive the vehicle and seek professional service immediately.
⚠️Never reuse old brake fluid or fluid contaminated with dirt or air. Contaminated brake fluid can cause complete brake system failure.
⚠Brake fluid is highly corrosive to paint. Immediately clean any spills with water. Wear protective gloves and eye protection.
⚠Do not allow the master cylinder reservoir to run dry during bleeding. This introduces air into the system and requires starting the procedure over.
ℹ️The 1970 Rebel Machine uses a single-reservoir master cylinder. Monitor fluid level constantly during bleeding.
Tools required
Clear plastic bleeder hoseEssential
Glass or plastic catch bottleEssential
Jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid × 1 — Use OEM specification
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Fluids
- DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid — 0.5 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake firmly
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels if raising front, or front wheels if raising rear
- Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners for access to all brake bleeders
- Remove all four wheels for better access to brake bleeder screws
- Clean area around master cylinder reservoir and all four brake bleeder screws to prevent dirt contamination
- Check master cylinder reservoir fluid level and top off with fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid to MAX line
- Locate bleeder screws: right rear wheel cylinder, left rear wheel cylinder, right front caliper, left front caliper
Procedure
- 1Prepare bleeding sequenceBleeding order for the 1970 AMC Rebel Machine is: right rear, left rear, right front, left front. This sequence starts with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder and works toward the closest. Attach clear plastic bleeder hose to catch bottle partially filled with clean brake fluid so you can observe air bubbles.
- 2Bleed right rear wheel cylinderPosition catch bottle below right rear bleeder screw. Fit clear hose over bleeder screw nipple with other end submerged in fluid in catch bottle. Have assistant pump brake pedal 3-4 times and hold firm pressure. Open bleeder screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn while pedal is depressed. Fluid and air will flow into hose. Close bleeder screw before pedal reaches floor. Release pedal. Repeat until no air bubbles appear in hose and fluid runs clear. Check and refill master cylinder reservoir as needed between cycles.
- 3Bleed left rear wheel cylinderMove to left rear wheel. Repeat same bleeding procedure: attach hose to bleeder screw, pump pedal 3-4 times, hold pressure, open bleeder 1/4 to 1/2 turn, close before pedal bottoms out, release pedal. Continue until no air bubbles visible and fluid is clear. Monitor master cylinder level constantly and refill as necessary.
- 4Bleed right front caliperMove to right front brake caliper. The bleeder screw is typically located on top rear of caliper. Attach clear hose to bleeder. Execute same bleeding procedure: pump pedal 3-4 times, hold firm, open bleeder 1/4 to 1/2 turn, observe fluid flow, close bleeder before pedal reaches floor. Repeat until all air bubbles are expelled. Top off master cylinder reservoir.
- 5Bleed left front caliperMove to left front caliper bleeder screw. Perform final bleeding procedure using same technique. This is the wheel closest to master cylinder and should require fewer pump cycles. Continue until absolutely no air bubbles are visible in clear hose and fluid runs clean. Close bleeder screw snugly but do not overtighten as brass bleeder screws strip easily.
- 6Verify master cylinder level and pedal feelFill master cylinder reservoir to MAX line with fresh brake fluid. Install reservoir cap securely. With engine off, pump brake pedal multiple times. Pedal should feel firm and consistent with good resistance. If pedal feels spongy or travels too far, air remains in system and bleeding must be repeated.
- 7Check for leaks and reinstall wheelsInspect all four bleeder screws for any fluid seepage. Tighten if necessary but avoid overtightening. Check brake line connections and wheel cylinders/calipers for leaks. Reinstall all four wheels and torque lug nuts to factory specification in star pattern. Lower vehicle from jack stands.
Reassembly
- Ensure all bleeder screws are closed snugly and not leaking
- Verify master cylinder reservoir is filled to MAX line with fresh fluid
- Confirm reservoir cap is installed and sealed properly
- Clean any spilled brake fluid from painted surfaces, wheels, and brake components with water
Verification
- With engine off, pump brake pedal 5-6 times - pedal should be firm with minimal travel and no sponginess
- Start engine and apply brakes - pedal should remain firm with adequate stopping force
- Perform low-speed test drive in safe area - brakes should engage smoothly and evenly without pulling to either side
- Recheck master cylinder fluid level after test drive - level should remain at MAX line
- Check all four bleeder screws and brake connections for any signs of fluid leakage
- If pedal feels soft, spongy, or sinks to floor, DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE - repeat bleeding procedure or seek professional service