Abstract: A brake evaluation gauge is useful to determine a brake lining thickness and/or brake drum wear. Depending on the particular embodiment selected, one of a thickness measurement, a percentage of brake life left, a pass or a fail indication may be indicated for the thickness of the brake lining. A first end of a gauge is inserted between a brake shoe table and a brake drum of applied air brakes to provide this reading. Furthermore, a recess in the gauge is placed over a ridge created by wear of the brake lining on the brake drum. If the ridge contacts the interior surface of the recess, then excessive wear of the brake drum is indicated.