What could indicate wear in the pedal bushings of a hydraulic brake system?

Increased pedal travel is an important indicator of wear in the pedal bushings of a hydraulic brake system. When the bushings wear, there is often a loss of support and alignment within the pedal assembly. This can lead to increased movement of the brake pedal as it is pressed, resulting in a longer distance that the pedal travels before the brakes engage effectively. This can be perceived as "sponginess" or an excessive range of motion in the pedal, which directly reflects the degradation in the supporting components of the brake system, including the bushings.

The other options, while they can indicate issues in the braking system or related components, do not specifically point to wear in the pedal bushings. For instance, difficulty in steering is more commonly associated with issues in the steering system rather than the braking components. Low brake fluid levels typically suggest a leak or fluid loss, which is a separate issue from pedal bushings. Brake fluid contamination indicates problems with the quality of the fluid, affecting brake performance, but again does not relate directly to the condition of the pedal bushings. Hence, increased pedal travel serves as a clear sign that the bushings may need inspection or replacement.