a few years ago I put the chevy 3500 wheel cylinders on my 1500, and every time I change my shoes 3-4 times now they are cracked. they usually have plenty life left in them but cracked. luckily I got the napa premiums (bendix I think) lifetime ones so I just replace them. but this cant be good. anyone else have this problem.

 

I'd go with the adjuster is stuck take it off.clean and grease it the shoes are getting.to hot causing.them.to crack im not positive just.throwing out an.idea

 

I would second this notion. Cleaning the adjusters won't hurt at all in any event. I usually put some anti-sieze on the threads.....

 

Yes, cracking between the rivets. Switch over to Raybestos shoes and the problem will go away.

 

ok Merc225hp, I will try Raybestos who carries those. when I did the cylinder upgrade I got a complete rebuild kit for everything else. I use brake cleaner, wire wheel, nickel antiseize always, on everything that needs it. I thought they where cracking from being pushed to hard and flexing but heat makes sense too. I never had pads crack though, and I know I've cooked those, maybe cuz they r flat and shoes r round and have they possibility of flexing?

 

I got mine from Lordco Auto Parts but they are just in BC Canada, so best if you did a web search to find your closest dealer for them.

 

I get my Reybestos brake products locally from Pep Boys.

Also, check to ensure that your parking brake cable is fully releasing and isn't seized.

 

my e brake does feel like I have tension all the way through, its not soft halfway then gets stiff, so I think that's fine. but I will check.