Which of the following is a common consequence of improper gear tooth alignment?

Improper gear tooth alignment often leads to higher levels of vibration within the machinery. When gears are misaligned, the way they interact can create uneven force distribution during their operation. This unevenness translates into excessive vibrations as the teeth do not engage smoothly. The resulting vibrations can lead to accelerated wear on the gear teeth, bearing failures, noise issues, and overall decreased efficiency of the power transmission system.

In this context, while one might think that improved power output, enhanced durability, or lower energy consumption could be potential outcomes of gear operation, none of those benefits stem from misalignment. Instead, misalignment consistently results in detrimental effects, making increased vibration the most accurate consequence associated with improper gear tooth alignment.