I will add one thing to this

Your cylinders may be frozen or partly frozen as mine were and you couldn't tell just by a looking glance at them.

That's why I also say just replace everything cylinders are as low as $5 each the rust factor is second even in AZ things rust just look at my Pic's.

After that you are good for another 5 or more years

 

For the price of hardware, it doesn't make sense NOT to replace it.

 

I'm sorta on both sides of the fence on this.

On one hand, wheel cylinders are so cheap, and when they fail it's such a mess--why not just drop the few extra bucks as preventative maintenance. On stuff like hardware, springs, keepers, and the adjuster wheel, I clean them up and evaluate. The adjuster wheel can be renewed by taking it apart, cleaning it up with brake clean, and then a dab of high temp wheel bearing grease. I've never seen a grooved backing plate, and a little high temp grease will prevent it.

I put a fairly high priority to flushing the entire brake system, tho. DOT 3 or 4 are hydroscopic and that black watery brake fluid can do bad stuff to your wheel cylinders and calipers.

 

Deleted so "feelings" don't get hurt. Lol.

 

I'm talking about hardware (springs, etc.) that cost less than 10 bucks for the kit and you have them off, anyway. Big difference from pulling the axles to replace the seals. Personally, I don't replace wheel cylinders unless they're leaking, but if someone else wants to spend a few bucks to replace theirs for peace of mind, I certainly don't think that makes them an idiot.

 

I never said anybody was an idiot. But I don't think not replacing them makes us one.
But your right. How's this....