Guide rings and guide strips
Phenolic resin, PTFE and POM guide rings (wear rings) and guide strip cut by the meter: the elements that center the rod and piston and carry side load.
Guide elements make sure the seal does not carry load: they center the rod and piston and prevent metal-to-metal contact. In cylinder manufacturing and repair we select the guide elements according to load and side force, and supply rings and strip from stock.
Types
Rod guide rings
Center the rod on the cylinder head side; prevent contact between the rod and the head.
Piston guide rings
Center the piston inside the tube; prevent scoring of the tube.
Guide strips
Cut by the meter and adapted to the required diameter; for large and special-diameter cylinders.
Product images: Kastaş.
How to select
In a cylinder, side load should be carried by the guide elements, not by the seal. If guidance is insufficient, the rod and piston move off axis under load, the seal is crushed to one side and leaks, and the rod and head, or the piston and tube, rub against each other and score. Especially in long-stroke cylinders and cylinders subject to lateral force, the width and number of guide rings are taken into account.
The material is selected according to load and speed: fabric-reinforced phenolic resin rings are used in heavily loaded construction machinery cylinders, bronze-filled PTFE strip where low friction and smooth movement are required, and POM rings for medium loads.
During repair, wear on the guide elements is an important sign that the cylinder has been working under side load. In that case, rather than only replacing the part, the mounting and the installation axis should also be checked; if necessary, we review the mounting style of the cylinder together with you.
The material is selected according to load: fabric-reinforced phenolic resin for high loads, bronze-filled PTFE where low friction is required, and POM as an economical solution for medium loads.
Kastaş profiles for each type
| Type | Kastaş profile | Where it is fitted |
|---|---|---|
| Rod guide ring | K68 | Rod, in the cylinder head |
| Piston guide ring | K69 | Piston, against the cylinder tube |
| Guide strip | KBT | Rod or piston; cut to length |
The rod and piston sides are the same as in Kastaş's own classification.
Frequently asked questions
What does a guide ring do?
It centers the rod and piston, carries side load and prevents metal parts from rubbing against each other. It ensures that the seal only seals and does not carry load.
Guide ring or guide strip?
Ready-made rings are practical for standard diameters, and strip cut by the meter for large or special diameters.
Why do guide rings wear?
Side load on the cylinder, misalignment and dirt wear the guide elements. If there is wear, the installation axis should be checked.
What is a wear ring used for in a hydraulic cylinder?
It keeps the rod and piston centered and carries side load. This way there is no metal-to-metal contact and the seals only do their sealing job.
What happens when a guide ring wears out?
The rod or piston leans to one side; the seal is crushed on one side and score marks form on the rod and in the tube. The real cause of a leak is often a worn guide ring.
Can guide strip be cut to size?
Yes. The strip is supplied by length and cut to the circumference of the groove; it is a practical solution for non-standard diameters and urgent repairs.
Stock, sizes and part numbers
Sizes in stock, manufacturer part numbers and brands are kept up to date in our catalog. Send us your requirement on WhatsApp or by e-mail and we will quote and ship worldwide.
Guide rings and guide strips in the catalog Online store (Turkish) →