For those that know A LOT about brakes

[03gtmustang]

On the two back brakes there is a little black spring by the brake cable that I took off not knowing how hard it would be to put back on. Well after about 30 minutes I finally got it back on and I started to tighten the bolt, but it snapped in half. So now I have no bolt or spring on that one back brake. My brakes seem to work fine. What should I do?

Heres a picture so you can get a better idea of what Im talking about.

 

[SilverSteed]

Check your parking brake. Im 99% sure that is the tensioner for the parking brake. It is what actually releases the parking brake after you put down the handle. Check to make sure the caliper is releasing now and the parking brake isn't stuck on, on that wheel.

Andy

 

[S.D.-Stangman]

Check your parking brake. Im 99% sure that is the tensioner for the parking brake. It is what actually releases the parking brake after you put down the handle. Check to make sure the caliper is releasing now and the parking brake isn't stuck on, on that wheel.

Andy

You are correct, that is the e-brake spring.

 

[merc123]

Check your parking brake. Im 99% sure that is the tensioner for the parking brake. It is what actually releases the parking brake after you put down the handle. Check to make sure the caliper is releasing now and the parking brake isn't stuck on, on that wheel.

Andy

If you don't you'll have what happened to me. Smelled the pads burning, car seemed slower so I got out and the rotor had turned glowing red.

 

[03gtmustang]

Im in school right now so I cant check it. I drove it this morning and everything seemd fine. If it is stuck then how do I get it unstuck? Im pretty sure the parking brake WAS ON when it snapped.

 

[DB96GT]

Yes, that spring is designed to the pad off of the rotor when the e-brake is not on. Do yourself a favor and get another one.

 

[03gtmustang]

Do I really need to fix it? If its just for the e-brake then I dont think it is 100% necessary for me to get it fixed. But where can I get a replacement bolt, dealership? Also how the hell am I supposed to get that spring in there? Thanks for the help, anyone else?

 

[DB96GT]

Let me put it this way. Ford put it there for a reason, and I'm sure it's cheap. Call Dan Newman at this number. He's a Ford parts guy - a very nice guy.(800) 266-6049

You risk having the brakes drag on the rotor more than normal - your choice.