What is the consequence of insufficient bearing lubrication?

Insufficient bearing lubrication leads to increased friction between the bearing surfaces, which results in excessive wear and the potential for component degradation. Lubrication is crucial for minimizing contact between moving parts, thereby reducing wear over time. When lubrication is inadequate, the materials can break down due to the heat generated by the increased friction, leading to damage or failure of the bearing itself and potentially causing broader issues within the machinery or system it supports.

While other consequences such as electrical leakage and heat dissipation may be relevant in specific contexts, they are not direct or guaranteed outcomes of insufficient lubrication in bearings. Enhanced performance would be quite the opposite of what one would expect under these conditions, as lack of proper lubrication hinders the efficiency and functionality of the bearings. Thus, component degradation is the most immediate and direct consequence of insufficient bearing lubrication.