I have a set of Hayes 9 on a Kona Kula Deeluxe that have lost their fluid over the winter. The front has no response, but the rear still seems OK. A local bike store said parts might be hard to come by and that these brakes were not that reliable, as he personally had a failure while going downhill when some aluminum plug popped out?
I was always pleased with the performance, but the LBS says things have come a long way since then. Mentioned White and Shimano as having some good products. Are the Hayes 9 any good. I certainly want reliability as the number one consideration.
Suggestions appreciated.

By the time you spend money on parts, if they are available, and labor, I would probably look at something new. What are they quoting you for the job?

The new Deore and SLX brakes are great. If I buy from my LBS they usually install for free.

Having done a bit of research, I agree that I won't mess with these old brakes. By the time I get the pads and rebuild kits, I am close enough to new components. Looking at Shimano ones. I have found XT 8000 at a decent price as well as the Deore. DO these just bolt on my Fox RLT fork without the need for adapters?
Will the Hayes discs still fit or do I need new ones? My discs appear to be in very good shape.

Bought some SLX brakes. Rebuilding the Hayes would have cost about half this much in parts.