You haven't messed anything up other than confirming that your preload adjuster line has a leak somewhere that you will need to fix. As stated above, you can remove the line from the shock, back out the adjuster screw, apply compressed air to the line to return the internal piston to the full volume position, then refill the adjuster and line, reattach at the shock, use a turn or two to bleed any trapped air and you're done. I needed a new hose, which is not available separately, so I went to a local aircraft fitting place to get a replacement. So far, so good. Also, I refilled with 90w gear oil. Thick and less likely to leak.
Tim Shevlin Anaheim,CA #1183