Up to you if you split the roller open mine had 40 years of dirt and grass and a few redback eggs. Depends how far you want to go with the rebuild, mine was pretty rusty inside from being left outside, so I have peace of mind that it should last another 40 years or longer with it being painted. Also you can get all the old crusty grease out and re lubricate it with out it getting contaminated.

I've got a highway to mow