What is one common symptom of a failing motor?

A common symptom of a failing motor is indeed unusual noise or vibration. When a motor begins to fail, it may produce sounds that are not typical of its normal operation, such as grinding, squeaking, or rattling. These noises can indicate mechanical issues like misalignment, bearing wear, or internal component failure. Additionally, vibrations may increase as parts within the motor wear down or become loose, leading to an absence of the smooth operation characteristic of a well-functioning motor.

In contrast, increased efficiency, decreased power consumption, and consistent performance would generally indicate that a motor is operating as expected or improving in some manner. These traits are not associated with failure; rather, they are signs of a healthy motor functioning optimally.