Knuckle/Spindle - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wheel spindle (knuckle) assembly on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, including bearing, seal, and brake drum service.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel spindle assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear wheel bearing set (inner and outer) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear wheel bearing races × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear axle seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake drum (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for spindle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle shaft gasket or RTV sealant × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• High temperature wheel bearing grease — 0.25 qt
• Rear differential fluid (for refill if drained) — 3 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails or rear axle housing
5. Remove rear wheel and tire assembly
6. Place drain pan under differential if planning to remove axle shaft
7. Release parking brake after vehicle is secured

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the brake drum retaining clips if present. Pull the brake drum straight off the spindle. If drum is stuck, back off brake adjuster through adjustment hole in backing plate or tap drum gently with rubber mallet. Mark drum location if reusing.
2. 2

   Disconnect brake components
   Note the position of all brake springs and hardware for reassembly. Using brake spring pliers, remove brake shoe return springs. Disconnect brake shoe hold-down springs and pins. Remove brake shoes from backing plate and disconnect parking brake cable from brake shoe lever. Set brake assembly aside.
3. 3

   Remove axle shaft retaining hardware
   Locate the four axle shaft retaining nuts accessible through access holes in the axle flange. Rotate the axle shaft to align each nut with the access hole. Remove all four retaining nuts using appropriate socket. Keep hardware organized for reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove axle shaft
   Using a slide hammer with axle puller attachment, or by carefully prying with a pry bar against the backing plate, extract the axle shaft from the axle housing. Pull straight out to avoid damaging the seal. Be prepared for differential fluid to drain from the housing. Inspect axle shaft bearing surface for wear or damage.
5. 5

   Remove backing plate and spindle assembly
   Remove the four bolts securing the backing plate and spindle assembly to the axle housing flange. These bolts typically use 9/16 inch or 5/8 inch sockets. Carefully pull the backing plate and attached spindle assembly away from the axle housing. The spindle is typically pressed or bolted to the backing plate.
6. 6

   Separate spindle from backing plate
   If spindle is bolted to backing plate, remove retaining bolts. If pressed, use a hydraulic press or large C-clamp to press spindle out of backing plate. Support backing plate properly during pressing to avoid distortion. Clean all mating surfaces thoroughly with wire brush and brake cleaner.
7. 7

   Remove old bearing races
   Using a brass drift punch and hammer, carefully drive out the old inner and outer bearing races from the brake drum or hub assembly. Work around the circumference evenly to avoid cocking the race. Thoroughly clean the bearing bore and inspect for damage or excessive wear.
8. 8

   Install new bearing races
   Using a bearing race driver or appropriate size socket that contacts only the outer edge of the race, drive new inner and outer bearing races squarely into the hub until fully seated. Ensure races are seated evenly and completely in their bores. Verify proper seating by checking that race is flush around entire circumference.
9. 9

   Pack wheel bearings
   Using a bearing packer tool or by hand with clean latex gloves, work wheel bearing grease completely through all bearing rollers until grease appears on the opposite side. Pack both inner and outer bearings thoroughly. Place a thin coating of grease in the bearing races and hub cavity, but do not overfill.
10. 10

    Install new spindle assembly
    Position new spindle into or onto backing plate in correct orientation. If press-fit, use hydraulic press to seat spindle squarely. If bolted, install new bolts and torque according to manufacturer specifications. Verify spindle is perpendicular to backing plate mounting surface.
11. 11

    Install inner bearing and seal
    Place packed inner bearing into inner race in the hub. Using seal driver or large socket, carefully drive new axle seal into spindle until flush with spindle face. Ensure seal is square and seated properly. Coat seal lip with thin layer of wheel bearing grease.
12. 12

    Reinstall backing plate and spindle assembly
    Install new gasket or apply thin bead of RTV sealant to backing plate mounting surface. Position backing plate and spindle assembly onto axle housing flange, ensuring proper alignment of bolt holes. Install and torque backing plate mounting bolts in a cross pattern. Typical specification is 40-50 ft-lbs, but verify with service manual.
13. 13

    Reinstall axle shaft
    Carefully guide axle shaft into axle housing, aligning splines with differential side gear. Push shaft in completely until retaining nut holes align with access holes in axle flange. Install axle shaft retaining nuts and torque in a cross pattern. Typical specification is 30-40 ft-lbs, but verify with service manual.
14. 14

    Install outer bearing and adjust
    Place packed outer bearing into outer race. Install brake drum onto spindle. Install spindle washer and nut. Torque spindle nut to approximately 25 ft-lbs while rotating drum to seat bearings. Back off nut 1/4 turn, then hand-tighten while checking for proper end play (0.001 to 0.005 inches). Install new cotter pin through spindle nut and castellations. Verify drum rotates freely without binding or excessive play.
15. 15

    Reinstall brake components
    Reconnect parking brake cable to brake shoe lever. Position brake shoes on backing plate and install hold-down pins and springs. Install all return springs in correct positions using brake spring pliers. Verify all brake hardware is properly seated and brake shoes move freely. Adjust brake shoes until slight drag is felt when rotating drum, then back off adjuster 3-4 clicks.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall wheel and tire assembly, torque lug nuts to 75-85 ft-lbs in star pattern
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Perform final lug nut torque check with vehicle on ground
4. Check and refill rear differential fluid to proper level if any was lost during axle shaft removal
5. Pump brake pedal several times to restore proper brake shoe position
6. Test parking brake operation and adjust cable if necessary

Verification

• Verify wheel rotates freely without binding, grinding, or excessive wobble
• Check for any fluid leaks around axle seal and backing plate
• Confirm brake pedal has firm feel and proper height after pumping
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area to verify proper brake operation and no unusual noises
• Recheck wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving
• Verify no wheel bearing looseness by attempting to rock tire top-to-bottom with vehicle raised

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