While removing the RR drum to replace a couple broken studs, this spring fell out. I’ve got a replacement ordered, but I currently have everything back together.
Is it OK to drive with the spring missing on one side?
Thanks!
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That particular spring does two things, 1) it acts as a return spring, helping to keep the pads from rubbing against the drum when the brakes are not applied and 2) it acts as a lock against the tension adjuster to keep it from turning on its own and, therefore, adjusting your brake shoes' static "preload".
Lack of some return spring force might cause some brake noise or chatter but I would not think it would be a short-term safety issue. The lack of a lock on the adjuster, however, could be problematic since it might allow the brake to adjust itself in an unchecked fashion. If it tried to tighten itself (seems unlikely), you might have a situation where the shoes would be dragging; potentially causing very bad heat buildup. Heat buildup could damage the brake pads, the drum, and even the wheel bearings.
If the adjuster tried to loosen; you could lose braking action on that wheel which, generally, would not be a huge deal because the major braking occurs in the front brakes.
If you have the choice to not drive the vehicle until the replacement spring is installed, that would be optimal. If you must drive it, monitor the temperature of the center of the wheel on that side whenever your able, to check for possible dragging/heat biuldup.
Also, pull the wheel and drum on the opposite side, just to check on the status of the components there. If anything looks week, replacement bits are cheap and easily obtained.
