TR2/3/3A Steady Springs Rear Brakes 56 TR3

[mgedit]

I just had my rear brakes apart (hand brake failed to completely release and had smoking rear wheels)! I found that the shoes had been wearing into the backing plate, and although it is understandable that some paint would be worn where the two surfaces meet, there is already a grove being worn in the backing plate (with only about 500 miles of driving). Does not show well on picture, but definitely a groove being created (I did put a little grease there when the brakes where installed). Wondering if binding of shoes on backing plate contributed to hand brake not releasing completely. There were no steady springs when I got my car, but according to the parts book, mine should be part of the production run with the springs. The backing plate has the brackets for the springs. When the springs are installed the shoes are very tight against the backing plate. I see two options ... leave the steady springs off (as in the slightly earlier cars), or see if I can find some "longer" steady springs or modify the ones I have so that they are not holding the shoes so tightly. What do you guys think? Worth trying without the steady springs? Any potential safety issues from leaving them off? As usual, appreciate your input. Cheers, Mike