Sounds like you have solved the problem, so I will simply point out that they can be purchased from the factory - Adam handled my order earlier this summer quite quickly.
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These pads do eventually deteriorate from the pressure of the shell bearing down on them, and the simultaneous back-and-forth scrubbing movement as the shell moves a little as you drive. You could release a bit of the pressure by loosening the corner latches a couple turns. If too tight, they tend to smash the shell down into the pads, which is not necessary.
Bill