73 bus new rear brake backing plate adjuster seats seem too smal

[timgarthwaite]

Hello,

I'm fixing up the drum brakes on my 73 bay bus. The right rear adjustment nuts weren't fully seated, and were stuck. I pulled the star nuts out with pliers, turned them on a wire wheel, and brushed out the seats with a wire cup on a Dremel. They were still too tight. Figuring that they were hopelessly scored or heat warped, I became frustrated enough to decide to replace the backing plate (which includes the seats) and star nuts with new parts.

After buying a breaker bar, 46mm socket, and 3-foot black pipe to remove the hub, I got the shiny new black backing plate on, and reassembled the hub, castle nut, and pin. Thinking I was finally approaching the finish line, I tried to slide the new star nuts into the seats, with the assembled shoes nearby, ready for the win. And... They're too tight. Way too tight. Can't even hammer them in.

No amount of grease or anti sieze is going to help me. I get almost all of my parts from the Bus Depot, but could only find the backing plate on Wolfsburg West. As it's late on a Saturday night, I can't yet call them to complain, so I figured I'd come here to pick your collective brains. Am I missing something here that is obvious to old timers and just flying over my head? Do I need to brush the brand new parts? Am I going to end up drilling these seats out? This seemed like a relatively simple job when I started!

Thanks all,

Tim

[Wildthings]

Is there paint up in the bores? Maybe some paint remover or brake fluid will dissolve it.

[kreemoweet]

This is the new norm for aftermarket parts. A little sanding drum action in the bore, filing/sanding of the adjuster nuts will likely enable them to spin freely. Also check the fit with the adjuster screws, and have a suitable thread tap ready if needed.
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[timgarthwaite]

Ugh! I was afraid of that. I could have altered the OG parts and been in a better place! The new seats are definitely less metal.

Thanks for the tips, at any rate, guys!