What can cause premature bearing failure due to lubricant quality?

Premature bearing failure due to lubricant quality can stem from several factors, one of which is the presence of hard pieces of lubricant. When hard particles or debris form in the lubricant, they can lead to abrasive wear on the bearing surfaces. This can create an uneven surface that increases friction, generates additional heat, and ultimately leads to failure.

The integrity of the lubricant is crucial for maintaining a protective film between moving components. If the lubricant becomes contaminated and includes hard pieces, it can compromise its ability to provide effective lubrication. The introduction of these rigid elements can scratch the bearing surfaces, cause pitting, and lead to catastrophic failure over time.

Other factors, like water contamination, additive breakdown, and excessive temperature, can also affect lubricant quality and performance but do not directly relate to the presence of hard particles in the same manner. Water contamination can lead to rust and corrosion; additive breakdown affects the chemical properties of the lubricant; excessive temperature can cause thermal degradation. Each of these factors may contribute to bearing failure, but hard particles specifically cause abrasive wear which is a distinct mechanical failure mode enhancing early failure risk.