Today I was working on installing new stabilizer links in the rear. After snapping a wheel stud, I removed the brake drum. Ignorant of the consequences, I got my Dad to hit the brakes while the drum was off. One of the pistons popped out removing the rubber dust boot, some brake fluid squirted out, and it got lodged in an extended position.

After putting it back in with a rubber mallet, I had to adjust the brakes so that I could fit the drum back on.

Two questions:

1. Do I need to bleed the brake system to remove any possible air infiltration?
2. And I noticed this on both sides of the vehicle, after removing and replacing the drum the wheel didn't spin as freely anymore. Do I need to adjust anything, or will this correct after taking it back on the road? (Note: despite the added friction, I can still easily move the vehicle in neutral.)

Any suggestions appreciated.

 

1. Yes. Absolutely.

2. Yes. Adjustment is needed. A proper adjustment will have a slight drag on the drum(when rotated with no wheel) and little to no drag when the wheel is mounted.

 

Thanks for the reply!

Just out of curiosity, is there slight drag when just the drum is on because the drum sits differently when not fully bolted on? or because there's less weight without the tire?

 

A little of both.