We wrote a blog post about O-rings some time ago. Due to an increased number of enquiries, we would like to clarify that we only supply TA Technix O-rings.
If you have a TA Technix air suspension kit and need replacement O-rings, please contact us and we will do our best to help. If you have any other kit, or require custom O-rings, there are many companies in the UK that can supply them. We ourselves use Bearing Boys in Rackheath, just outside Norwich in Norfolk (BEARINGBOYS). They also offer mail order.
To order O-rings from any supplier other than the original strut or air bag manufacturer, you will normally need to know the size. Guessing rarely never works.
The Three Key Measurements
The three key measurements are:
- Outside diameter, usually shortened to OD.
- Inside diameter, usually shortened to ID.
- Width or thickness, which means the diameter of the O-ring's cross-section.
Most O-rings used in our industry are round-section O-rings, but you should still check the shape. Some seals can be square, flat, X-profile or otherwise non-standard. If the old seal is not round in section, do not assume a normal O-ring will replace it.
Use Digital Calipers
You will need digital calipers to measure properly. These are inexpensive and can usually be bought online for very little money, but they make a big difference. A ruler or tape measure is not accurate enough for any seal identification.
When measuring an old O-ring, measure it carefully and do not stretch or squash it. Rubber distorts very easily when new, but especially if it is old, soft, swollen, flattened, hardened or damaged. If you compress the O-ring with the calipers, the reading will be wrong. If you pull it while measuring, the reading will also be wrong.
Where possible, it can be better to confirm the size by measuring the metal shaft, groove or sealing surface the O-ring fits onto. This is particularly useful where the old O-ring has been damaged, stretched, flattened or swollen.
Colour Is Not a Reliable Specification
Colour is not a reliable way to identify an O-ring. Different materials and manufacturers use different colours, and two O-rings that look similar can be completely different sizes or materials.
When Do O-rings Need Replacing?
As mentioned previously, O-rings typically do not require replacement unless the struts have been disassembled, the seal has been damaged, or the vehicle has been stored for an extended period. If the air suspension has been apart, or an old seal has gone hard or distorted, replacing the O-rings may be sensible.
Need Advice?
If you require technical support for TA Technix O-rings, please call us on 0800 772 0315 or email ENQUIRIES@AIRRIDE.UK. We are happy to advise.
