What factors cause overheating in bearings?

Overheating in bearings is primarily caused by insufficient lubrication and high operational speeds. Bearings require a specific amount of lubricant to reduce friction between moving parts, and when lubrication is inadequate, it leads to increased friction and heat generation. This situation can exacerbate as speed increases, amplifying the thermal effects due to the rapid movement of the bearing components. Thus, without sufficient lubricant to manage the heat produced by friction and to carry it away, bearings can quickly reach temperatures that can lead to failure.

Other factors listed relate to different scenarios but do not directly correlate to the primary causes of overheating in bearings. Excessive lubrication often leads to other issues, such as increased drag or the potential for lubricant breakdown. While high humidity can affect the longevity of bearings, it does not contribute to overheating in the same direct manner. Similarly, incorrect installation and alignment can cause premature wear but are not direct contributors to overheating in the context of lubrication and operational speed.