drivetrain

Wheel Studs

for 1970 AMC Rebel Machine 390ci V8 · RWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.0 h

Tools

Steps

🤖AI-generated, not yet human-verified. This walkthrough was produced by AI and may contain errors. Treat it as a guide, cross-check every step and torque value against the manufacturer's service manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. This is a moderate-risk job — take extra care.

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of wheel studs on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, including hub removal and stud pressing.

Warnings

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use rated jack stands on solid, level ground.

⚠Wheel studs are pressed into the hub and require significant force to remove and install. Ensure hub is properly supported during pressing operations.

⚠Brake dust may contain asbestos on vintage vehicles. Avoid breathing dust and clean components with wet rags, not compressed air.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential

Jack standsEssential

Lug wrench or 3/4-inch socketEssential

Torque wrenchEssential

Ball peen hammer or brass hammerEssential

Wheel stud driver or large socket and C-clampEssential

Wire brush

Penetrating oil

Safety glassesEssential

Parts

Wheel stud × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent

Preparation

Park vehicle on level, solid surface and set parking brake
Loosen lug nuts on the affected wheel while vehicle is on the ground
Raise vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
Remove wheel completely
Inspect brake drum or rotor for damage that would require additional service

Procedure

1
Remove brake drum or rotor
For drum brakes, remove the drum by pulling straight off the hub. If stuck, use light taps with a rubber mallet around the outer edge. For disc brake equipped wheels, remove the caliper mounting bolts and support the caliper with wire, then remove the rotor. Mark the drum or rotor position if reusing to maintain balance.
2
Identify damaged or broken stud
Locate the wheel stud requiring replacement. Inspect surrounding studs for damage or fatigue. Check the hub for cracks around stud mounting holes. Clean the hub face with a wire brush to remove rust and debris.
3
Remove damaged wheel stud
Using a ball peen hammer or brass hammer, strike the damaged stud from the front of the hub to drive it rearward through the hub. The stud is pressed in with a serrated shoulder and will require significant force. Continue striking until the stud is driven completely through the hub. On rear wheels, ensure the stud does not interfere with axle components as it exits.
4
Clean stud mounting hole
Use a wire brush to clean the stud mounting hole in the hub, removing any rust, debris, or metal burrs. Inspect the hole for cracks or elongation. Apply penetrating oil if rust is present and wipe clean. The hole must be clean for proper stud seating.
5
Position new wheel stud
Insert the new wheel stud into the hub hole from the back side. Push it through by hand as far as possible. Ensure the serrated shoulder is properly aligned with the hub hole and the stud is started straight, not cocked at an angle.
6
Press new stud into hub
Install 3-4 washers over the stud threads to act as spacers, then thread on a lug nut. Using a wrench or socket, tighten the lug nut to draw the stud through the hub until the serrated shoulder is fully seated and flush with the back of the hub. You will feel significant resistance as the shoulder presses into the hub. Alternatively, use a wheel stud installation tool or C-clamp with large socket to press the stud in. Remove the lug nut and washers when complete.
7
Verify stud installation
Inspect the back side of the hub to confirm the stud shoulder is fully seated and flush against the hub. The stud should not rotate by hand. Check that the stud protrudes the same distance as the other studs on the hub. Verify threads are clean and undamaged.
8
Reinstall brake drum or rotor
For drum brakes, slide the drum back onto the hub, aligning any balance marks made during removal. For disc brakes, reinstall the rotor and caliper assembly, torquing caliper mounting bolts per AMC specifications. Ensure the drum or rotor seats flush against the hub face.
9
Install wheel and lug nuts
Mount the wheel onto the hub, ensuring all studs pass through the wheel holes properly. Thread lug nuts onto all studs by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a wrench until snug but do not fully torque while vehicle is raised.
10
Lower vehicle and final torque
Remove jack stands and lower vehicle to the ground. With vehicle weight on the wheel, torque lug nuts to 75-80 ft-lbs in a star pattern. Recheck torque after 25-50 miles of driving to ensure proper retention.