Abstract: A parking brake having first and second brake shoes with first ends that engages an anchor on a backing plate and second ends that engages an adjuster. An actuator engages the first ends of the first and second brake shoes to apply an input force to move the first and second brake shoes into engagement with a drum to oppose rotation of a drum and effect a brake application. The adjuster is defined by a plurality of spring washers encapsulated in a cup and located between a first shaft connected to the first brake shoe and a second shaft connected to the second brake shoe. The spring washers yield to a predetermined resistance force greater than a input force such that a space between the first and second brake shoes is limited to a fixed distance and as a result a braking force to set at a predetermined maximum level.