Which of the following is typically a failure indicator in machinery?

High vibration is a critical failure indicator in machinery because it can signal an imbalanced rotor, misalignment of components, or wear and tear in bearings or other moving parts. When machinery operates, it is designed to function within a specific range of vibrations; any significant deviation can lead to increased wear, potential failure of parts, and ultimately machine breakdown. Monitoring vibration levels is a common practice in predictive maintenance, helping to identify issues early before they lead to more severe problems.

Other factors, while they can also indicate issues, are less direct in terms of immediate mechanical failure. For instance, a rise in temperature or fluid leakage might suggest underlying problems, but these conditions can arise from different issues that do not necessarily cause immediate failure. Similarly, a color change may indicate corrosion or chemical reactions but is not a direct measure of machinery condition in the way vibration is. High vibration is more closely tied to mechanical safety and performance, making it a primary indicator of potential equipment failures.