O-ring: everything you need to know

The O-ring is an important element to ensure tightness car parts... Used in many other sectors, it can be used statically or dynamically. In this article, we will learn about its role and the various ways to care for it so that it does not lose its waterproofness over time!

🔎 What is an O-ring?

The O-ring is in the shape of a torus, that is, an O-ring without a flat surface. Typically, it is used to provide 2-component cutting... Made from rubber or silicone , its use depends on the parts to be connected: it can be static using a ring assembly or dynamic.

In your car, the O-ring is the main device for ensuring sealing automotive part. For example, it is used for the camshaft, or even to connect hoses to the cooling circuit, while a different type of seal will be used for the crankshaft, called an SPI seal.

The seal is selected depending on its tightness and the type of liquid with which it will come in contact. The O-ring can be used for 3 different purposes:

• Braking system : guarantees tightness of parts in contact with brake fluid, withstands temperatures from -40 ° C to 150 ° C;
• Lubrication of engines and transmission units : These elements are lubricated with mineral oils containing antioxidant and antifoam additives. The O-ring ensures the tightness of the chain;
• System air conditioner : gaseous media circulate in this circuit and are subject to significant temperature fluctuations in the range from -49 ° C to 90 ° C.

👨‍🔧 How to measure the o-ring?

There several sizes for O-rings. The size of the diameter in millimeters will change. The most common sizes are 1,78, 2,62, 3,53 and 5,33.

If you need to know the size of the o-ring, you will need to measure it transverse section (its thickness) and its inner diameter... To take accurate measurements, you must use calipers, also known as a micrometer.

How to lubricate the o-ring?

To prevent the o-ring from hardening over time, it is necessary to apply lubricating regularly.

As it hardens, it ceases to fulfill its sealing function. Therefore, it can affect the proper functioning of parts of your vehicle such as the camshaft or brakes.

To lubricate the o-ring, purchase o-ring grease and apply a few drops to the affected areas of the car.

How to remove the O-ring?

Over time, the rubber in the gasket will lose its appearance and deteriorate. This is why it is necessary re-soak to keep it waterproof.

To remove the O-ring, it must be wet on 1 Months in brake fluid or special products such as Armor All or Winter Green, mixed with a paint thinner normally used for painting.

Then you will need to leave the joint dry air and check its appearance.

🛠️ How to make an o-ring?

For the more experienced of you, you can also make an o-ring from A to Z. Follow our guide and equip yourself with the equipment to do this.

Required material:

• Set of rubber laces
• Резак
• Cutting accessory
• Loctite 406 glue

Step 1. Cut the rubber

Determine the length you need for your joint, then use a cutting attachment to get a straight cut at each end of the rope.

Step 2: apply glue

Apply a small drop of Loctite 406 to one end of the rubber cord.

Step 3: Assemble the two ends of the rope.

Keep the two ends glued to each other. Once they are fully seated, wait 30 seconds to 1 minute for them to attach to each other. Your O-ring is now complete!

💸 What is the price of an O-ring?

The O-ring is a very inexpensive component in automotive mechanics. Indeed, on average it will cost less than 1 euro. Its price is about 0,50€.

However, replacing this seal by a mechanic can be costly because many parts may need to be disassembled to access it. Therefore, it will take several hours of work on your car.

O-ring is a type of seal used on all vehicles. This guarantees the tightness of several systems necessary for the operation of your vehicle. In the event of a leak, don't delay an appointment with one of our trusted mechanics so they can repair your seals and save your vehicle's key parts!