Will a humid environment cause contamination and loss of ball bearing lubricant?

Firstly, one of the direct impacts of water on bearings is the corrosion of metal surfaces and damage to lubricating oil or grease. Moisture can corrode metal surfaces and disrupt the composition and structure of lubricating grease. Specifically, water can cause the base oil in lubricating oil to oxidize and deteriorate, and the oxidation products may come into contact with water again, producing acidic substances that can further corrode metals. In addition, water can cause hydrolysis, agglomeration, and loss of additives in lubricating oil. Some additives can denature in the presence of water, producing corrosive substances such as sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid, thereby increasing the acid value of the oil and creating a corrosive acidic environment.
Secondly, the presence of moisture can also affect the viscosity and normal flowability of lubricating oil, further cause to lubrication problems. The moisture in lubricating oil may also cause the formation of sludge and oil emulsion, which are suspended in the oil and hinder the normal flow of oil. They may accumulate in the bearing oil supply holes, cause to problems such as filter blockage. In cold weather, water in the oil may freeze, affecting the fluidity of the oil and even causing the machine to run out of oil.
In addition, humid atmosphere or free water may also cause to hydrogen embrittlement of metals. Water, as one of the sources of hydrogen, can promote electrolysis and corrosion processes, thereby causing damage to metals. This hydrogen embrittlement phenomenon is particularly evident in materials such as high-strength steel.
In summary, a humid environment can cause to contamination and loss of lubricants in ball bearings through various mechanisms such as metal corrosion, oxidation and deterioration of lubricating oil/grease, reduced fluidity, and impurity formation, thereby affecting the normal operation and service life of bearings. Therefore, when using ball bearings in humid environments, special attention should be paid to the selection, replacement, and maintenance of lubricants, as well as preventing moisture from entering the bearings.