How to determine whether the O-ring needs to be replaced

How to determine whether the O-ring needs to be replaced

If any of the following situations occur, it is recommended to replace it directly:

1、 Clearly damaged appearance

Deformation, flattening, and loss of elasticity

Pinching it with your hand may result in slow rebound, no rebound, or long-term compression may flatten it, leading to a decrease in sealing force.

Cracks, fissures, and falling debris

There are small cracks and large openings on the surface, and they fall off easily when bent, indicating aging.

Hardened and brittle

It feels hard and stiff to the touch, no longer soft and resilient.

Swelling, enlargement, and stickiness

Mismatched media causes the O-ring to swell and become sticky, and the sealing gap is damaged.

Wear, scratch, indentation

There are obvious grooves, scratches, pressure marks, and incomplete sealing surfaces.

2、 Sealing function failure

Oil leakage, water leakage, air leakage

If there is leakage, dripping, or pressure relief, replace the signal directly.

Pressure cannot be sustained

Hydraulic/pneumatic system pressure drop and unstable holding pressure.

Abnormal noise and vibration

Poor sealing leads to impact and friction noise.

3、 Excessive usage time/working conditions

Reaching the end of its service life

Rubber O-rings are generally recommended to be replaced after 1 to 3 years, especially in high-temperature/corrosive environments.

Long term high temperature, high pressure, strong corrosion

The working conditions are harsh, and even if the appearance is good, it is recommended to replace it preventively.

During equipment overhaul, disassembly and assembly

As long as it is disassembled, it is generally recommended to replace the O-ring with a new one, as the old ring is prone to failure after disassembly.

4、 Simple speed suitable judgment mnemonic

At first glance, it appears cracked, hard, swollen, and deformed

Second inspection: leakage, seepage, and unstable pressure

Check the age and poor working conditions

If any one of them is met, it should be replaced.