I noticed my SE brakes feeling a little low and after pulling the rear wheels
I found a (yellow) return spring snapped and the adjuster hanging.
The guy I purchased the car from had a complete brake job and they must have put
on aftermarket hardware.
My question is: Is this hardware that cheap? I never replace mine while doing a brake job and never had any trouble with original GM parts.

I bought a bag of hardware for my '90 that contained every spring, retainer, etc for both rear wheels at Advance Auto for less than $7. I wouldn't think that there is a difference in quality between this hardware and something that the dealer will install.

I had one of my rear brakes come apart on the inside only days after a GM brake job.

So it is possible.

yeah just get a cheap replacement anywhere. I don't think the dealer has too many secrets in producing a spring! haaha, i'm sure even those made in china or taiwan have spring production pretty much down.

mike diaz

I guess its the luck of the draw on how they temper the springs.
I live near Bristol, CT which is a mini spring capitol.
If the two rear springs came from the same batch I should change the other one too.

I just did my rear drums yesterday. Spring kit was $12. I'd do both sides just to be safe.