<p>Measuring a temperature rise in tapered bearings is very important. This paper proposes a model for calculating the rise in temperature of bearings that considers the presence of contaminants in the lubrication. This study develops a discrete lubrication model for the Hertzian contact zone of a bearing using the Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). The model analyzes the effect of particles on grease film flow and pressure. The temperature rise of the bearing was then calculated. Meanwhile, the study solved the bearing temperature rise in the lubricating grease using the finite difference method (FDM). The results of the LBM calculations were compared with those of the FDM calculations. Finally, an experimental study is conducted to investigate the temperature increase of the raceway in the presence of particulate matter in sealed grease lubrication. The results of the study show that the presence of particulate matter has little effect on the temperature rise of the bearings. The study results show that burnout is caused by a lack of grease rather than particles.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>