Brake Booster Replacement Help

[abarnett98]

Trying to replace the brake booster, which has a leak in it. Master cylinder is off, vacuum hose removed. The steering wheel, and steering column cover panels are off, and the panel beneath those on the column is also removed, but we still can't get to the brake pedal return spring. We can see it attached on the pedal, but that's too far shoved in there to get to reasonably. We can't access where the spring connects on the other end, I'm guessing somewhere by the steering column? We can feel the other end of the spring, but fingers barely reach it, let alone pliers to get it disconnected. Hayne's manual is giving the usual "remove brake pedal spring" vagueness.

It appears a previous owner did some rewiring within the steering column, because there is some wire wrap around many of the wires that can't be from the factory. This is probably adding to our difficulties in reaching the other end of the spring.

Any tips regarding this would be greatly appreciated.

It's a 1991 Festiva LX

[Icedawg]

Everything deep under the dash is always a problem, in most cars. It can help a lot to remove the driver's seat, so that you can lie on your back with your head under the dash, with a flashlight, and see what you are trying to do. It is still cramped, and hard to move your arms around, but it helps a lot.

[Dragonhealer]

I don't remember ever removing a spring.
4 nuts on the booster can studs( under the dash, one is hard to get to) and the clip to remove the clevis pin from the brake pedal shaft and the booster pulls out the front.