Wheel Bearing Hub - Front

Remove and replace the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, including inspection of spindle and related components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner wheel bearing and race set × 2 — Use OEM specification for 1970 AMC front hub
• Outer wheel bearing and race set × 2 — Use OEM specification for 1970 AMC front hub
• Grease seal × 2 — Use OEM specification for 1970 AMC front hub
• Spindle nut × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 2 — Use OEM specification
• High temperature wheel bearing grease × 1 — NLGI Grade 2 multi-purpose

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and place transmission in Park or first gear
2. Chock the rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed under frame rails
5. Remove front wheels completely
6. Clean wheel hub area with wire brush and brake cleaner to remove accumulated dirt and debris

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper
   Remove the two bolts securing the brake caliper to the spindle. Carefully lift caliper off the rotor and support it with wire or a bungee cord to prevent stress on the brake hose. Do not let caliper hang by the brake line.
2. 2

   Remove dust cap and cotter pin
   Pry off the dust cap from the center of the hub using a flat pry bar or screwdriver. Straighten and remove the cotter pin from the spindle nut using cotter pin pliers. Discard the old cotter pin.
3. 3

   Remove spindle nut and washer
   Remove the spindle nut and flat washer from the spindle. Note the orientation of the washer for reassembly. Set aside the washer for reuse if in good condition.
4. 4

   Remove outer bearing and rotor
   Wiggle the rotor slightly to work the outer bearing cone loose from the spindle. The outer bearing will slide forward as you pull the rotor. Catch the bearing before it falls. Once bearing is free, pull the rotor assembly straight off the spindle. Place rotor on clean work surface with outer side down.
5. 5

   Remove inner grease seal and bearing
   Using a grease seal puller or pry bar, carefully pry out the inner grease seal from the back of the hub. The inner bearing cone will be behind the seal. Remove the inner bearing and set aside. Clean all old grease from both bearings using clean rags and brake cleaner.
6. 6

   Remove bearing races from hub
   Using a brass drift punch and hammer, drive out the outer bearing race from the front of the hub by tapping around the perimeter evenly. Rotate positions frequently to prevent cocking the race. Repeat for the inner bearing race, driving it out from the front of the hub. Inspect hub bore for damage, scoring, or excessive wear.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect components
   Thoroughly clean the hub bore, spindle, and rotor surfaces with brake cleaner and shop rags. Inspect spindle for scoring, wear, or damage. Check rotor for cracks, heat checking, or excessive wear. Measure rotor thickness if concerned about wear. Replace any damaged components.
8. 8

   Install new bearing races
   Place the new inner bearing race squarely into the hub bore. Using a bearing race driver or large socket that contacts only the outer edge of the race, drive the race fully into the hub until seated. Repeat for outer bearing race. Ensure both races are fully seated and square in the bore.
9. 9

   Pack bearings with grease
   Pack new wheel bearings completely with high temperature wheel bearing grease. Use a bearing packer tool or work grease into the bearing by hand, forcing grease between all rollers until grease appears on the opposite side. Apply a thin coating of grease to the bearing races in the hub and the spindle surface.
10. 10

    Install inner bearing and seal
    Place the packed inner bearing into the inner race in the hub. Apply grease to the lip and outer diameter of the new grease seal. Carefully tap the seal into place using a seal driver or large socket, ensuring it goes in straight. Drive until seal is flush with the hub face.
    ⚠Do not cock the seal during installation as this will damage the sealing lip and cause grease leakage.
11. 11

    Install rotor and outer bearing
    Carefully slide the rotor assembly onto the spindle, ensuring the inner bearing stays in place. Install the packed outer bearing onto the spindle and into the outer race. Install the washer and thread on the new spindle nut by hand.
12. 12

    Adjust bearing preload
    While rotating the rotor forward, tighten the spindle nut to approximately 12 ft-lbs to seat the bearings. Continue rotating while backing off the nut 1/4 turn, then hand-tighten only until snug. Back off nut to the nearest cotter pin hole alignment. Install new cotter pin and bend ends to secure. Check that rotor spins freely with slight end play (0.001-0.005 inch ideal). If binding or excessive play exists, repeat adjustment.
    ℹ️Proper bearing adjustment is critical. Over-tightening will cause premature bearing failure and overheating. Too loose will cause wheel wobble and bearing damage.
13. 13

    Install dust cap
    Pack the dust cap approximately 1/3 full with wheel bearing grease. Tap the dust cap into place on the hub using a hammer and block of wood or large socket to avoid denting the cap. Ensure cap is fully seated.
14. 14

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove wire or support holding caliper. Carefully position caliper over rotor and align mounting holes. Install caliper mounting bolts and tighten securely. Ensure brake pads are properly positioned on either side of rotor.

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite front wheel
2. Reinstall wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts
3. Lower vehicle to ground and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern
4. Pump brake pedal several times to verify proper brake operation before moving vehicle

Verification

• Raise vehicle slightly and spin each front wheel by hand to verify smooth rotation with no binding or grinding noises
• Check for any grease leakage around dust caps and seals
• Grasp wheel at top and bottom and check for excessive play - should have minimal movement
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no wheel vibration, grinding, or unusual noises
• After first 50-100 miles, recheck wheel bearing adjustment and inspect for grease leaks

More procedures for this vehicle