easiest way to inspect front & rear brake linings?

[awg]

I changed front & rear brake pads and linings on my previous XJ,
but am just curious if there is any easier way to check how much material is still on the pad without removing the wheels (and drums)

I know on some vehicles if you poke your head in at just the right angle you can see the front pad thickness and some vehicles have rear drum lining inspection ports in the rear

Dont want to sound naive, but if you never ask, you dont know.

If not, in any case, I will probably change wheels soon, I have a set of 31" Mud Terrain tyres on XJ steel wheels, with 100% tread, but they are getting a bit old, so I might as well use them before they expire

I presently have a good set of 265/70/16 on Ford alloy wheels, I got them used but with 100% tread, from someone upgrading wheel size on a Nissan, they were basically brand new

with petrol prices being so high, its good to keep your other running costs down if you can.

I have a new radiator to put in as well

[Jonny Jeep]

There are rubber plugs at roughly 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock on the rear drum backing plates, where you might be able to get a look at the shoe thickness. On the fronts on my TJ, I am able to get an idea what the pad thickness is without removing the wheel, just need to get a look at the right angle.

[Fishframe]

I would still remove the tyres and check from time to time - last time I discovered a leaking axle seal which had leaked onto the drum pads. Another time it was a wheel cylinder.

Maybe have a check whenever a wheel needs to be removed - e.g. replace a flat, rotation or suspension work. I looked at mine on the weekend when I replaced rear shocks.

[LuluBelle]

rubber plugs yes but it's a pain just pull the wheels off