updated the pic.... erm dont ask about the yellow blob...[&:]

anyway... remove the smaller grub screw and you should be able to pick out the spring (i find it easier if you pull the shoe down which makes the spring pop up a little) after the spring is out the ball should just fall out

I see no reason why your way wont work of popping the pin out and pushing the spring and ball out the other side... just watch it dont pop out when you do it and go missing [:'(]

I only put it in the picture to show you how to remove the shoe to clean it if needed