Another stupid rookie question

Listen for air leaks
Look for broken parts or if one of them is somehow different from the others
No measurements needed. Maybe once a year I will check pad thickness by hand, mechanic will check it the other time. The pads last an incredibly long time, and I have the luxury of only pulling 1 trailer, so I have a pretty good idea of the shape it is in.

Edit
That is not a stupid question

 

No such thing as a stupid question.

 

If you ever worked retail sales you would know how stupid that statement is.
Or a teacher. Or, well, anyone who has to deal with the general public.

 

WTF? How are you going to check the brakes on drums anyway? Can you see them without climbing under? How do you check brake stroke? Or do you even bother?

Maybe you can look across from the far side...

What have you really been doing up till now. Don't worry about it. Didn't care before now then you'll probably be ok with dumb luck in the future as discs are better.

Take that slacker!

 

Next time a gal asks you "Do these pants make my butt look big?" Tell yourself there's no such thing as a stupid question. LOL

 

Get the truck rolling and step on the brakes, if it stops, they work! If not, oh well!