What could excessive temperature lead to in bearings?

Excessive temperature in bearings can lead to overheating, which has a detrimental impact on their performance and lifespan. When bearings operate at elevated temperatures, it can cause the lubricant within the bearing to degrade faster, losing its effectiveness in reducing friction. As the lubricant breaks down, it can lead to increased wear and tear on the bearing surfaces. This overheating can also cause changes in the physical properties of the bearing materials themselves, potentially leading to warping, melting, or even complete mechanical failure. Ultimately, if the temperatures remain excessively high for a prolonged period, it increases the risk of catastrophic failure, which can disrupt machinery and necessitate costly repairs or replacements. Therefore, managing temperature is crucial to maintaining the health and functionality of bearings in any operational setting.