Fixing a Broken Tub Stopper?

[David Stone]

My projects keep piling up on me.

The drain stopper in my parents' tub is broken -- it wont stay open.  If you push down on the lever, the water drains.  But when you let go of the lever, it flips up and the drain is plugged.
From what I've been able to find on web, it's likely that the spring mechanism behind the overflow plate is broken.  Is the best/easiest option to just replace the overflow plate and trip lever?
Should I replace the whole linkage assembly?


Thanks, as always

[Cooler]

Just replace the unit with a foot actuated one.  They are cheap and easy to install and don't require any special access:

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