maintenance

Tire Balance

for 1970 AMC Rebel Machine 390ci V8 · RWD

Difficulty

Easy

Time

1.0 h

Tools

Steps

✓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.

Balance all four tires on the 1970 AMC Rebel Machine to eliminate vibration and ensure even tire wear.

Warnings

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.

⚠Ensure parking brake is engaged and vehicle is in Park (automatic) or first gear (manual) before lifting.

ℹ️The 1970 Rebel Machine came with 15x7 wheels. Verify wheel type before selecting appropriate wheel weights.

Tools required

Wheel balancer machineEssential

Tire iron or impact wrenchEssential

JackEssential

Jack standsEssential

Torque wrenchEssential

Wire brush

Wheel weight pliersEssential

Valve core tool

Tire pressure gaugeEssential

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Parts

Clip-on wheel weights × 1 — Assorted sizes, typically 0.25oz to 2oz
Adhesive wheel weights × 1 — Assorted sizes for custom wheels if applicable

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Chock rear wheels if balancing front tires, or front wheels if balancing rear tires
Loosen all lug nuts on wheels to be balanced approximately one full turn while wheels are still on ground
Inspect tires for damage, uneven wear, or foreign objects that could affect balance

Procedure

1
Lift vehicle and remove first wheel
Position jack under appropriate jacking point (front: lower control arm or frame rail; rear: rear axle housing). Raise vehicle until tire is off ground. Place jack stand under frame rail for safety. Remove lug nuts completely and remove wheel assembly.
2
Clean wheel mounting surface and hub
Use wire brush to clean inside of wheel mounting surface, removing rust, dirt, and old wheel weight adhesive. Clean the hub face where wheel mounts to ensure proper seating. Debris between wheel and hub will cause imbalance.
3
Remove existing wheel weights
Use wheel weight pliers to remove all existing clip-on weights from wheel rim. For adhesive weights, peel off and clean residue with appropriate solvent. Inspect wheel for damage or bends that could prevent proper balance.
4
Mount wheel on balancer
Select appropriate centering cone for the wheel. Mount wheel on balancer spindle with cone positioned in center hole of wheel. Thread on retaining nut and hand-tighten firmly. Ensure wheel is seated flat against balancer mounting plate.
5
Input wheel specifications
Measure and input wheel diameter (15 inches for stock Rebel Machine), wheel width (7 inches stock), and distance from balancer to weight placement location. Enter tire specifications into balancer if machine requires this data.
6
Perform initial balance spin
Lower wheel guard on balancer and initiate spin cycle. Allow balancer to complete measurement cycle. Machine will indicate amount and location of weight needed for both inner and outer rim locations.
7
Install wheel weights
Install clip-on weights at the 12 o'clock positions indicated by the balancer (typically inner and outer rim edges). Tap weights firmly onto rim edge with hammer to ensure secure attachment. For custom wheels without clip-on flanges, use adhesive weights on inner barrel.
8
Verify balance
Perform verification spin on balancer. Machine should indicate zero imbalance or minimal residual imbalance (less than 0.25oz). If imbalance remains, add or reposition weights as indicated and re-spin until balanced.
9
Reinstall wheel
Remove wheel from balancer. Mount wheel onto hub, ensuring it seats flush against hub face. Install all lug nuts and hand-tighten in star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheel barely contacts ground to prevent rotation.
10
Torque lug nuts
Torque lug nuts to 75-80 ft-lbs in star pattern (tighten opposing nuts alternately). This is the typical specification for 1970 AMC models with 1/2-inch wheel studs. Make at least two complete passes to ensure even torque.
11
Repeat for remaining wheels
Lower vehicle fully, move to next wheel position. Repeat steps 1-10 for each remaining wheel. Mark balanced wheels with chalk or tape if desired to track which wheels have been completed.
12
Check tire pressures
After all wheels are balanced and installed, check and adjust tire pressure on all four tires. The 1970 Rebel Machine typically requires 24-28 PSI front and rear depending on load. Refer to door jamb sticker for exact specification.

Reassembly

Perform final torque check on all lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
Store balancer calibration cone sizes and wheel specifications for future reference

Verification

Test drive vehicle at various speeds from 30-70 MPH to verify elimination of vibration
Steering wheel should remain steady with no vibration at highway speeds
No unusual tire noise or wobble should be present
Re-check lug nut torque after test drive

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