The present invention includes a rolling element bearing system and method of using the same, comprising: a ball bearing comprising an inner race coupled to an inner shaft (journal) at an outer surface of the inner shaft, an outer race coupled to an outer shaft at an inner surface of the outer shaft, and a roller element disposed between the inner race and the outer race, wherein the inner race and the outer surface of the inner shaft form a pocket between a portion of the inner race and the outer surface, and the inner race comprises an orifice through the inner race to fluidly connect the pocket and the rolling element.