If a lubricant is incompatible with bearing materials, what could happen?

• A. No effect.
• B. Extended bearing life.
• C. A chemical attack, accelerated wear, and possible bearing failure.
• D. Improved lubrication.

Answer: (C)

When a lubricant isn’t compatible with bearing materials, chemical reactions or solvent effects can occur at the interface, breaking down the lubricant and attacking the bearing surfaces. This destroys the protective film, allowing metal-to-metal contact, which accelerates wear. Over time, this can cause surface damage such as scoring or pitting, overheating, and ultimately bearing failure. The other outcomes—no effect, extended life, or improved lubrication—would only happen if the lubricant were compatible, so incompatibility typically leads to the described damage.