Well..............I finally have both rear rotors off. After doing so, I found a long spring, having a straight shaft with coiled ends, loose in the driver's side rotor, and the other side had the same spring but, it was broken. Previous to me taking the rotors off, the parking brake worked fine. Even depressing one click, allowed the brake to hold.

What are these springs & how critical are they. Will I still be safe driving?

-Thanx!