CWEA Maintenance Technologist Practice Test

Overheating is a common sign of lubrication failure in machinery because adequate lubrication is crucial for reducing friction between moving parts. When lubrication fails, it can lead to an increase in friction, which generates excess heat. This heat can cause significant damage to components, potentially leading to equipment failure if not addressed promptly.

Proper lubrication helps maintain an optimal operating temperature by ensuring that moving parts are adequately cooled and that wear is minimized. When lubrication is insufficient or has broken down, the machinery can run hotter than normal, which can be immediately noticeable during operation. Identifying overheating is critical for maintenance technologists, as it serves as an early warning sign to investigate and rectify lubrication issues before they result in costly repairs or equipment replacement.

Other options may also indicate mechanical issues, but they do not directly pinpoint lubrication failure as directly as overheating does. For instance, increased noise levels can result from various factors such as wear, misalignment, or simply mechanical stresses rather than lubrication specifically. Frequent power outages are generally unrelated to lubrication and more connected to electrical or operational issues. Inconsistent operation could suggest a range of problems, including electrical issues, control systems malfunctions, or mechanical failures due to reasons other than lubrication inadequacy.