Put Wheelspacers on today, which requires taking calipers and rotors off. On the rear left, I took the the rotor and caliper off no problem(hand brake down). As was putting the longer studs on and tighten them up, I pulled the handbrake up to stop the hub from spinning. I then put the handdown and up once more. When I got around to putting the caliper back on I had some difficultly but eventually was able to get it back on.

The problem, however, is the handbrake is now really tight and it feels like the left rear brake is dragging. I can even smell the brakes near the left rear wheel after a quick drive to the grocery store.

Any suggestions on fixing this...

 

I would pull the caliper again, reset it, then reinstall it. Like yuou just replaced your pads. And if you can smell them burning check the pads close because if they get too hot they get very brittle and just fall apart (had it haqppen on mine). You may want to replace the pads. Just my .02

 

what do you mean by reset it?

 

If you replace your pads you have to reset the piston in your caliper that pushes the pads together. It slowly works its way out so that your pads stay close to the rotor. If you go to just about any car parts store you can pick up a repair manual (mine is made by Haynes) that has pictures and will probably help you a lot. So try turning the piston back and reset it...but I would deff change the pads if they have been cooking while your driving.

 

Did you remove the parking brake cable at all during your installation process? If so, there is a chance you re-installed it incorrectly. Or your parking brake cable may be binding.

 

man this is why I love the forum...

Bought this at Autozone, and it did the trick. Uncapped the brake reservoir, put this on my 3/8 drive rachet and turned the rear piston clockwise.
http://filebox.vt.edu/users/prpatel/...%20(Large).jpg

Thanks for the help and I hope this helps...

 

Glad you found the issue. Can you link that pic please?

Thanks.

 

Bingo, glad you got it done. You havent had that smell again have you? How did the pads look? Did you replace them?

 

pads looked fine...I only put about 5 miles on them dragging...a trip to the grocery stores - the discovery, and two trips to autozone.

 

Sweet, sounds like your all set.