Abstract: The present invention provides a washer for a vehicle drum brake having an S-cam assembly and an axle spider comprising a receiving surface comprising two generally parallel walls merging with a tapering portion having two opposed walls inclining towards one another, the tapering portion merging with a concavely arcuate portion; and a mounting portion having a plurality of attachment points adapted for attaching the washer to the axle spider. The present invention also provides a drum brake having a brake shoe, an S-cam assembly comprising an S-cam attached to a cam shaft, and an axle spider having a cam shaft supporting sleeve, the improvement comprising the provision of a washer having an opening on one side for receiving the cam shaft supporting sleeve of the axle spider and a plurality of attachment points for attaching the washer to the axle spider, wherein the washer is adapted to prevent engagement of the brake shoe with the axle spider.