Wheel cylinder leaking...what does this lead too?

[93xltExplod]

What do wheel cylinders do? and what if they are leaking and you keep them on for a little while because im lacking funds right now but if i really need to i can scrounge up some money to replace them

 

[Espresso]

Wheel clyinders act like disc brake calipers. Fluid pushes out little rods that press the brake shoes againt the drum.YES they are important. YES you need to replace them.
They are normally not that expensive. I just called NAPA & the BEST ones they have are only $27.
So $60, $3 for brake fluid & $6 for a coupe cans of brake cleaner. If the fluid leaked onto the shoes. i'd recommend replacing them also. But if it isnt that bad you can clean them a little with the brake cleaner.
BUT if the fliud did get on the shoes. You will need to replace them as soon as you can.

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

I had a wheel cylinder blow on my first car and was without brakes on the highway Get it taken care of ASAP...