drivetrain
Wheel Bearing - Press-In Front
for 1970 AMC Rebel Machine 390ci V8 · RWD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
2.5 h
Tools
16
Steps
14
✓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.
Remove, replace, and press in new front wheel bearings on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, including hub disassembly and race installation.
Warnings
⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use properly rated jack stands on solid, level ground.
⚠Pressing operations require proper alignment and controlled force. Misalignment can damage the hub, spindle, or new bearings.
⚠Do not mix old races with new bearings or vice versa. Always replace bearings and races as matched sets.
ℹ️Clean work environment is critical. Any contamination in the bearing assembly will cause premature failure.
Tools required
Floor jackEssential
Jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Hydraulic press or bearing press kitEssential
Bearing race driver setEssential
Breaker barEssential
Hub puller or slide hammerEssential
Grease seal puller or pry barEssential
Clean rags and solventEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- Front inner wheel bearing (per side) × 2 — Timken SET2 or equivalent
- Front outer wheel bearing (per side) × 2 — Timken SET1 or equivalent
- Inner bearing race (per side) × 2 — Use OEM specification
- Outer bearing race (per side) × 2 — Use OEM specification
- Front wheel grease seal (per side) × 2 — Use OEM specification
- Cotter pin × 2 — 1/8" diameter
- Wheel bearing grease × 1 — High-temp lithium or synthetic grease
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 place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Loosen front wheel lug nuts before raising vehicle
- Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands positioned under the frame rails
- Remove front wheels completely
- Set up clean work area with solvent pan and clean rags for bearing inspection and cleaning
Procedure
- 1Remove brake caliper and rotorRemove the two bolts securing the brake caliper to the spindle. Carefully lift caliper off rotor and support it with wire or bungee cord to prevent stress on brake hose. Do not let caliper hang by the brake line. Remove dust cap from center of hub using pliers or screwdriver. Remove cotter pin from spindle nut.
- 2Remove spindle nut and outer bearingUsing a 1-1/8" socket, remove the spindle nut while holding the rotor steady. Remove the spindle washer. The outer wheel bearing cone should slide off the spindle freely; remove it by hand. Pull the rotor/hub assembly straight off the spindle. If resistance is felt, tap gently on the back of the hub with a rubber mallet.
- 3Remove inner bearing and grease sealPlace the hub face-down on a clean work surface. Using a grease seal puller or large screwdriver, carefully pry out the inner grease seal from the back of the hub. The inner bearing cone will come out with the seal or can be removed separately once seal is out. Dispose of old seal.
- 4Remove old bearing races from hubUsing a brass drift or bearing race driver, drive out the inner and outer bearing races from inside the hub. Work around the circumference of each race, tapping alternately on opposite sides to drive them out evenly. Inspect the hub bore for any damage, scoring, or excessive wear. Clean the hub bore thoroughly with solvent and wire brush.
- 5Inspect spindle and componentsThoroughly clean the spindle with solvent and inspect for scoring, pitting, or damage. Check spindle threads for damage. Clean all old grease from the dust cap. If any damage is present on the spindle bearing surfaces, the spindle or entire steering knuckle may need replacement.
- 6Press new outer bearing race into hubPosition the new outer bearing race squarely in the hub bore opening. Using a hydraulic press and appropriately sized bearing race driver, press the outer race into the hub until it seats completely against the shoulder. Ensure the race goes in straight without cocking. The race should be fully seated with no gaps visible.
- 7Press new inner bearing race into hubFlip the hub over and position the new inner bearing race squarely in the hub bore. Using the press and race driver, press the inner race into the hub until it seats completely against its shoulder. Verify both races are fully seated by checking that they cannot be moved with hand pressure.
- 8Pack inner wheel bearing with greaseUsing a bearing packing tool or by hand, pack the new inner bearing cone completely with high-temperature wheel bearing grease. Work grease into the bearing from the large end, forcing it through the rollers until grease appears on the other side. Ensure all voids between rollers are filled. Coat the outside of the bearing as well.
- 9Install inner bearing and new grease sealPlace a generous amount of grease in the inner bearing race cavity of the hub. Install the packed inner bearing cone into the inner race. Coat the lip and outer surface of the new grease seal with grease. Using a seal driver or large socket that contacts only the outer edge of the seal, drive the new seal squarely into the hub until it is flush with or slightly below the hub surface.
- 10Install hub assembly onto spindleApply a thin coat of grease to the spindle. Carefully slide the hub assembly onto the spindle, being careful not to damage the new grease seal. Push the hub fully onto the spindle.
- 11Pack and install outer bearingPack the new outer bearing cone completely with grease using the same method as the inner bearing. Apply additional grease to the outer bearing race cavity in the hub. Install the packed outer bearing cone into the outer race in the hub. Install the spindle washer over the spindle.
- 12Adjust wheel bearing preloadThread the spindle nut onto the spindle by hand. While rotating the hub forward, tighten the spindle nut to approximately 25 ft-lbs to seat the bearings. Then loosen the nut completely. Hand-tighten the nut again while rotating the hub, then back off the nut 1/4 to 1/2 turn until the hub rotates freely with slight drag. The hub should have 0.001" to 0.005" endplay. Install a new cotter pin through the spindle and nut, bending the ends to secure.
- 13Reinstall brake rotor and caliperIf rotor was removed separately, reinstall it now. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and align the mounting holes. Install and tighten the caliper mounting bolts to manufacturer specifications. Install the dust cap by tapping it gently into place with a rubber mallet until fully seated.
- 14Repeat procedure for opposite sidePerform the complete bearing replacement procedure on the opposite front wheel, following all steps identically. Both sides should be serviced to ensure balanced performance and safety.
Reassembly
- Install front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
- Lower vehicle to the ground and torque lug nuts to specification (typically 75-85 ft-lbs for AMC wheels) in star pattern
- Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely
- Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or wheel wobble
- Recheck lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving
Verification
- Spin each wheel by hand - should rotate smoothly with slight drag but no binding or roughness
- Grasp tire at top and bottom and attempt to rock it - there should be minimal perceptible play (0.001-0.005" endplay)
- Check that dust caps are fully seated and secure
- Verify cotter pins are properly installed and bent to prevent spindle nut loosening
- Road test vehicle and listen for any humming, grinding, or growling noises that indicate bearing issues
- After initial test drive, check hub temperature - should be warm but not excessively hot to touch