What is the impact of overheating in bearings?

The impact of overheating in bearings is significant, with the potential for wear and operational failure being a critical consequence. When bearings overheat, it often leads to the breakdown of lubricants, causing inadequate lubrication and increased friction. This elevated friction generates even more heat, creating a vicious cycle that can ultimately result in the bearing materials deteriorating, deforming, or breaking apart.

Additionally, overheating can induce metallurgical changes in the bearing material, such as hardening or softening, which compromises the bearing's structural integrity. As the bearing continues to operate under these adverse conditions, it is more likely to experience failure, which can halt machinery operation, increase maintenance costs, and even pose safety risks.

The other options do not accurately represent the effects of overheating. Increased operational speed would typically lead to higher temperatures, not result from them. Loosening of bearings may occur due to various factors, but it is not a direct consequence of overheating and can often be rectified. The notion of prolonged lifespan is the opposite of the reality of overheating, which generally shortens the useful life of bearings due to accelerated wear.