Bearing Wear Patterns Can Reveal Improper Loading Before Catastrophic Failure

What the evidence preview establishes

Non-radial or non-uniform radial loading was the primary failure mechanism. Axial loading displaced one wear track, a setscrew produced localized radial loading and ball spalling, and shaft misalignment damaged a cage. Corrosion and particulate contamination accelerated wear.

Why this case matters

Do not classify all early bearing failures as material or lubrication problems. Raceway-track position, local widening, ball spalling, and cage alignment can identify the applied loading condition, while contamination explains accelerated progression.