Toyota Trucks: Checking Rear Brake Linings

I have an '89 V6 truck with dual rear wheels. (It's a micro-mini motorhome).
I recently replaced the front brake pads and would now like to check the
lining on my rear brakes. I removed both right dual-wheels but have been
unable to remove the drum to expose the lining. Tapping the drum with a
hammer doesn't seem to free it up. Local Toyota brake man says it's
necessary to pull the axle on dual wheels. However, Haynes manual and
another Toyota service shop says it's not necessary to pull the drum to
check linings...only to replace brakes. Condition of lining can be
determined by sighting through an opening in the back-plate.
The only rubber plug I've been able to locate on the inside of the wheel
(back-plate) is oval-shaped and at the very bottom of the
back-plate( at a 6 o'clock position on a clock). I assumed this was the
access to the manual brake adjustment wheel since it
didn't seem likely it would be possible to see the linings at that
location. I would expect a sight-hole would be located at either
the mid-right or mid-left point of the back-plate (9 or 3 o'clock
positions).
Not sure what to do next, so I'd greatly appreciate it if someone would
suggest how I can get a peek at those rear linings.
Thanks very much.
Jack

Thanks Mike and Nathan,
I wasn't able to find the screws for forcing the drum off, Mike. So, I got
back underneath and tried to examine the back-plate more closely for an
inspection hole. I guess I didn't look hard enough before because I did find
a round rubber plug on the rear
side of the back-plate at the 3 o'clock point. Lining doesn't appear to be
at the critical stage yet but it's difficult to judge
the thickness through that little 3/8 inch hole. I'm sure a Toyota brake man
could tell the lining thickness immediately with his
experienced eye. Appeared to be a little more than 1/8 inch so it won't be
long until they'll have to be relined.
So, evidently your Chilton manual is correct about having to pull the axle
to get the shoes exposed.
Thanks again, Mike and Nathan. Appreciate your help.
Jack Barr


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