Has anyone ever have a problem with brakes getting chewed up? I just broke down 2 baitcasters and the brakes on both are really worn down and I can't understand why.

Every year at this I break my reels down for a thorough cleaning, grease and oil for the following season. I always maintain them with a "general" cleaning during the fishing season which is a wipe down and inspection/cleaning of the "brake drum" and levelwind system. There doesn't appear to be scratches or nicks on the drum, so I'm baffled.

What brand & model reel do you have? This type of thing is almost impossible to diagnose without seeing the reel.