-> Losing the brakes twice like that can be traumatizing indeed! Recall,
-> GM has an historical problem with rear drum brakes. Many models were
-> recalled because of too thin guage steel used for the backplate. The
-> cylinders simply pop out of alignment because the backplate buckles.
-> Rust just makes the problem worse. Replacing the cylinders alone is
-> just a stop gap measure. There may be a hidden guarantee on the
-> brake backplate if there was a recall. Check this out first thing.

People also need to realize brake fluid is hydroscopic 
and absorbs water and is otherwise contaminated.
Brake fluid must be replaced on regular intervals
and care must be taken not to get air into the lines either.

I rebuilt the brakes on one motorcycle I bought used where the _brake
fluid_ looked like Silly Putty.
How it actually managed to stop at all I'll never know.

Don't even get me started on differential fluid though that
needs much less frequent attention.

Hearing a differential squeal on a friend's van I advised him to check
and replace fluid as needed.

He ignored my advice and three weeks later the differential gave out.

How many people do you know who even know differential fluid even EXISTS

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