So it's my first time doing drum brakes and I'm a little confused. The first side I took off I forgot how the return springs went, so I just followed my Haynes manual and put the springs in behind the shoes as in the picture.

 

However when I took the other side off, the springs were on top of the shoes.

Does it matter which way they go?

So it's my first time doing drum brakes and I'm a little confused. The first side I took off I forgot how the return springs went, so I just followed my Haynes manual and put the springs in behind the shoes as in the picture.

 

 

However when I took the other side off, the springs were on top of the shoes.

Does it matter which way they go?

If somebody else has been in there it is possible, even likely, they put it back together the easiest way, opposed to the right way. I converted mine to disks a long time ago, so I don't remember how the springs were, but what you have up top looks right to my shade tree eye. 

 

Hopefully someone else can give you the definitive answer you need. 

 

Dan

It shouldn't really matter as long as nothing is rubbing. If you are OCD and can't stand that they are on the wrong side then put the spring on the shoes first then carefully set the shoes on the backing plate and secure the retaining pins. Either way like I said as long as nothing is rubbing just do whatever is easiest.

On my 1992 Loyale they go on top.  Small spring is on top.  But I may be mistaken.

 

Good luck,

Sam

Springs go on top of the shoes.

Spring needs to be where the cylinder is.

Spring needs to be where the cylinder is.

Sorry that was supposed to be just a comparison pic... the top spring flew off when I went to take the pic.

I agree with

silverhelme as far as whether they rub or not. The crucial topic is not to switch the top spring with the bottom spring, though. When I did mine, I could not see any points of interference behind the shoes and if they are on the drum side, I don't believe they are an interference, either.

Thus Mr_loyale's first rule of first time repair of anything- Take a picture of everything as you go BEFORE you take it off.