Will excessive moisture degrade the surface quality of the ball bearings?

Excessive moisture may indeed have adverse effects on the surface quality of ball bearings. As a precision mechanical component, the working performance of ball bearings highly depends on the precise fit and lubrication effect between each component. When there is excessive moisture, it may cause condensation or increase of moisture inside the bearing, cause to a series of problems.
Firstly, moisture dilutes the lubricant inside the bearing, reducing its lubrication performance and increasing friction during operation, accelerating wear. This not only damages the smoothness and accuracy of the bearing surface, but may also cause additional heat generation, further affecting the service life and performance stability of the bearing.
Secondly, moisture may also provide conditions for corrosion. In humid environments, bearing materials (such as metals) are more prone to react with oxygen and water in the air, forming oxides or other corrosion products. These corrosion products will adhere to the surface of the bearing, changing its original physical and chemical properties, reducing the bearing's load-bearing capacity and rotational flexibility.
In addition, moisture may also penetrate into the interior of bearings through tiny pores or gaps, react chemically with additives or impurities in lubricants, and generate deposits or colloidal substances. These substances may block the lubrication channels of bearings, affecting the circulation and distribution of lubricants, further exacerbating bearing wear and damage.