So I've been working on my trailer, replacing most parts to include wheel bearings, seals, grease system, and brake shoes. I have 12" free backing drum system on 4 wheels. I went to replace the brake shoes, unfortantly most of the wheel cylinders are frozen and need to be replaced as well. I currently have steel wheel cylinders. I have replacements in both Aluminum and Steel. Which would you replace with? The price is about the same. Trailer is mostly used in fresh water, but gets dipped in the gulf a couple of times a year at most. I called the aluminum supplier and they didn't know if it had a stainless liner or not, so I assume not.

Cheaper to buy the entire unit. Comes complete on the backing plate.

I've already bought everything, just need wheel cylinders.

I see my bad

A lot of times you can put break them loose and they will work fine. Just a thought.

I tried but couldn't get 2 of them to free up at all. They are 15 years old so I'm ok with replacing them. Just want to know if I should go steel or aluminum.

So no one knows? Aluminum vs Steel wheel cylinders?

If they've been on there for that long and just recently failed, Id replace with the same kind. If you're dipping in saltwater, I'd go alum.