Abstract: A brake adjuster for adjusting the working clearance of the shoes of an automotive drum brake, the adjuster including three co-axial elements a first rod element (25) having a head portion for engagement with a first brake shoe and a threaded stem portion, an intermediate element (28) in threaded engagement with the first rod element and a second rod element (27) having a head portion for engagement with a second brake shoe and a stem portion slideably connected with the intermediate element (28) and free to rotate relative thereto. A reaction member (30) is mounted on the intermediate element (28) and a ring gear (35) is provided on the intermediate element which is axially located between the second rod element and the reaction member. A leaf spring (31) acts between the second rod element (27) and the reaction member (30) for pushing the second rod element away from the intermediate element (28).