If there is excessive pedal travel during brake application, which could be the cause?

Excessive pedal travel during brake application can be attributed to an issue where there is excessive clearance between the shoes and drum. When this clearance is too large, the brake shoes do not make contact with the drum effectively until the brake pedal is pushed down much farther than normal. This results in the brake pedal having a longer travel distance before the brakes engage properly, leading to the sensation of excessive pedal travel.

In contrast, other potential causes such as worn brake pads would typically lead to reduced braking efficiency or responsiveness but not necessarily to an extended pedal travel. A defective brake booster may affect the effort needed to apply the brakes but not the travel of the pedal itself. Similarly, a low brake fluid level could result in soft or spongy brakes instead of specifically causing excessive pedal travel, as it’s more likely to lead to unresponsive brakes rather than simply an increased distance to engage the brakes.