Cant find a good diagram of an MTD blade brake assembly. This photo is a 30" deck.

The brake pads on most riding mowers do not last long for they are pressed against the belt pulley itself.

A lot of times you forced to purchase the entire assembly rather than just the Brake pads due to how they are attached. You can check the outlined red parts on your deck to see if it needs replaced (red) or check the cable (yellow) to see if it has an adjustment. The manual should have information on adjustment.

99% of the people here in the US just live without the brake and let the blades spin until they stop before getting off of the mower.

Thanks for that. It looks like the wire that holds the brake assembly back away from the pulley is too short - so holding the brake off even in the 'Blade Brake' position - might have been deliberate choice of previous owner.