What can excessive wear on a bearing lead to?

Excessive wear on a bearing can lead to increased friction. When bearings wear down, the smooth surfaces that normally allow for easy rotation can become rough and uneven. This degradation can hinder the free movement of parts, resulting in more resistance during operation. Increased friction not only reduces the efficiency of the system but can also lead to overheating and further damage to both the bearing and the components it interacts with.

In contrast, while improved handling and reduced noise might be outcomes of a well-maintained bearing, excessive wear would typically have the opposite effect. Enhanced lubrication can help mitigate friction, but it wouldn't result from wear; instead, proper lubrication is essential to prevent excessive wear in the first place. Thus, the primary consequence of worn bearings is the increase in friction, emphasizing the critical nature of maintaining bearing health in automotive applications.