I've been having problems with my rear brakes, specially my rear passenger it keeps making noise when I drive. I was pretty positive my pads were just really worn, so I went out bought new pads, I was taking it all apart then surprise I had a cable sticking out and one of my springs fell out. I've never replaced springs so how would I go about fixing it and why did it do it in the first place?

 

If you are going to do rear brakes you can buy a rear brake hardware kit. It includes all the springs and stuff you need to do both sides. If I am not mistaken, that is for your secondary shoe and also works with your self adjusters.

 

They sell full kits to replace all the parts, springs etc. pretty cheaply;
http://www.quadratec.com/products/56210_01.htm
as an example.

 

Thats the adjuster cable that is broken and it usualy does not come in the spring kit. If your shoes on the other side look good, you can replace just the adjuster cable, preferrably with a non-Chinese unit. The adjusters themselves need replacing if the teeth are chewed. Check the pawl to make sure it is not worn where it ratchets the adjuster teeth as well.

Edit: The adjuster cable is the same for left/right but the adjusters themseves are not if you have to get new.

 

Check on line at all of the stores, some hardware kits are more complete than others. And, don't just replace the cable, replace all the parts with new.

TIP: Use a small c-clamp to hold the semi-circular cable stay in the recess in the shoes while you pull the cable to its place. Do one side at a time.