I stupidly removed the spring that goes around the outside of the rear drums on my '66 Chrysler 300, now I can't get it back on. What was the purpose of that spring and how do I get it back on without killing myself?

Explosion containment wrapper?????

I was always told they were there to help dissipate the heat from the drum.

It served as an anti-resonance device, but after the years they get pretty rusty and usually break.

No one makes them as far as I know.
Everyone just leaves them off with no ill effects.

Joe

I think they keep the brakes quiet, less chance of the brakes squeeling. My

How to get it back on??

I put my drum flat on the ground and slid the spring on the lower part of it, about half way on.. not all the way into the groove. then held in place with my knees around the 4 and 8 o'clock position. finally got the rest of the spring started using the palms of my hands (in thick leather gloves) around the 10 and 2 o'clock positions. once the spring is started all around it slides down into the groove pretty easily. just keep your knees and hands on it at all 4 spots till you get it finally seated in the groove in the drum. throughout the process I was nervous what would happen if it slipped off, but if you secure it in place with your knees and hands you have pretty good control.

believe bill rolik sells new springs