Bicycle Mechanics - Broken spring

The return spring on my left shifter is shot. There is no preload on the lever so when I go to shift to a larger ring, I bypass the preload and start applying braking pressure. It isn`t a problem as far a reliability goes, but is more of an annoyance. (I think that I`m like most riders here, in that if our rides are not at 100% we have a serious problem.)

Is it possible to repair (self or pro service) a return spring in a Ultegra brifter?
If not, what should I be looking for in a replacement? Can I swap out the triple for a double (and get rid of the granny ring)? Does it have to be from the same model year as well so that the hoods and bodies match in my hands, Or is it best to just replace them both?

It the end of the day this is going to cost $$$

aj

Shimano doesn't sell parts for brifters. Brifter disassembly can be done to a certain degree
but is fraught with hazard and prior posters that have done so have more often than not
been unable to reassemble. Can't say at what point you reach no return but it
has to do with very small parts. OTOH probably
20 R brifters fail for every L brifter that fails so if you could hook up with someone who still
has their set in the junk pile... (I have 4-5 L brifters from the 8-9spd era that are left from
failed R brifter changeouts).

I've looked at the exploded veiw of the brifter a I would agree about the serviceablity of these components.

Would you have a 9 spd 2005 triple that you would be willing to part with then?

Is it possible to repair (self or pro service) a return spring in a Ultegra brifter?

Probably easier and cheaper than you're thinking. Pull the brake lever enough that you can see into the innerds and give them a good shot of WD40. If you have access to an air compressor follow it up with a good blast of air. Lots of folks recommend relubing with a spray lube but I find that the residual lubricating properties of WD40 are adequate for this use.

Retro,
Great tip except that there is no resistance in the spring, until I engage the spring for the brake caliper. This broken spring is item 6,pt no. Y-6K 287100 on the current model.

AJ