Official Answer
Answer
An over-stressed ring will exhibit 'loss of cling'. For an external ring, it will appear larger than its specified free diameter and will be loose or 'rattle' when placed in the groove. For an internal ring, it will appear smaller and will not exert sufficient outward pressure. This happens because the installer expanded/contracted the ring beyond the material's elastic limit, causing plastic deformation. This 'set' reduces the effective depth of engagement in the groove. Under load, such a ring is much more likely to fail because it is already closer to its ultimate yield point and does not have the necessary radial tension to stay seated during shaft/bore deflection.
