I've been using Repco Deluxe brake pads from Australia for over 25 years
mate, on all kinds of cars, with great success.

perhaps you don't have much of a Discount Parts system where you are.
Which is why you ordered them from Arizona in the first place I imagine !

I have seen cracked brake pads, but not very often. I see cracked rear
brake shoes fairly commonly. I don't give it much thought
actually...........as long as the brake lining material stays firmly
bonded to the backing metal..................can't imagine any problem.
Cracks might even help with cooling of the pad.
 I doubt it would cause a brake to sudden lock up on you.
or serious brake failure in a danger way, Something inconvenient
perhaps, but not unsafe.
I'd do just what you did, get a spare set to have ready if needed.

With reasonable driving .................pads last a long, LONG time.
scott
www.turbovans.com

Dave Yates wrote:
> I'm driving an '82 Vanagon downunder.
>
> In preparation for a longish trip I looked at the front brake pads.  They
> have been squeaking when not applied, almost since they went in maybe a year
> ago.
>
> There is loads of wear left on the pads but I found that the two I have
> looked at so far are cracked (the lining, not the steel backing).  The crack
> runs effectively radially when the pad is in the car.  It looks as if the
> crack could extend through the pad. Except for very badly worn pads, I don't
> think I have ever seen a pad cracked like this when it still has 80%+ of its
> life ahead of it.
>
> Has anyone had a similar experience?  Ay comments?
>
> Thanks
>
> dave
>
> PS I recently ordered a spare pad set when I bought parts from a US
> (Arizona) VW parts supplier.  I bought them partly because they were about
> 1/3 of the price of similar parts here.  When I received them, blow me down,
> they had been made in Australia!
>
>
>