After failing spectacularly to fit some replacements yesterday I had a 3am brainwave, got up this morning and did it in seconds. The solution? Cutting a notch in a flat blade screwdriver to push the fitting in and pull out without catching. I am unreasonably proud of myself lol!
If you had asked on here first I could have posted a YouTube link without needing a brainwave solution on how to replace awning pole springs. That's what this forum is for. However, I had to replace mine a couple of years ago but I find that YouTube is always the best place to look first because a short video can speak a thousand words.
I did look on YT but the springs I got were slightly different and I just couldn't get them in using a normal screwdriver. Everything looks easier on YT, I learn better by doing things, but like a bit of a heads up before I start.