Front Wheel Bearings on ’70 AMX

Almost all front wheel hubs and bearings are the same, drum or disc brakes, as far as bearings and actual spindle dimensions (the part the bearings ride on) are concerned. The lone exception is that 1975-78 used a different, larger bearing set. This corresponds to the Big Bendix (3.1" piston caliper) for all 75-76 models and 75-78 big cars. For some reason AMC kept the big bearings on the 77-78 small cars but the caliper changed to a 2.6" piston.

The other difference in spindles is the base thickness. The bolt pattern is the same from at least 1952 (1950 Nash Rambler... not sure about the big Nash cars before 52). The base thickness varies depending on width of drum and type of brakes. Disc brake bases are thicker than drums (except the early four piston Bendix discs), wider drums a little thicker than narrow drums. Easy enough to swap them -- use spacers (grade 8 washers are hard and will work) to center the caliper. A bit harder with drums as you can't see as clearly what's going on, but the base of a disc spindle can be milled down if necessary.

I think Timken got bought out so I've stockpiled some, about a year ago. Parts quality is plummeting. Not sure if Timken is still good or not.

The brake manufacturer would have liked to know he can make parts for a “factory disk brake spindle” or “a factory drum brake spindle” but I will tell him he needs to advertise the brakes will fit spindles using these bearings and races. 

I have researched the question on the search history here and can not find that this question has been brought up in the past. Find that hard to believe but I guess I’m the first. 

Thanks for any help!