Bearing seals can be damaged by which practice?

• A. Using Too Much Lubrication
• B. Using Too Little Lubrication
• C. Misalignment
• D. Excessive Load

Answer: (A)

Seals rely on a proper lubricating film and the right pressure inside the bearing housing. When you apply too much lubrication, the excess grease can raise internal pressure and cause the lubricant to squeeze past the seal lips. This extrusion can deform or push out the seal, leading to leaks. The extra grease also churns and heats, which can degrade the seal material over time and reduce its ability to maintain a tight seal. So, the practice of over-lubricating disrupts the seal’s intended balance of pressure, film thickness, and material properties, directly increasing the risk of seal damage. The other options involve mechanical conditions—insufficient lubrication causes wear from friction, misalignment or excessive load stresses the seal lip, but they don’t describe the specific damage caused by having too much lubricant inside the system.