---
title: "White Paper - #1 Reason for Retaining Ring Failure and How to Overcome It"
description: "Retaining ring failure can lead to costly downtime and equipment damage, but what causes it? In this guide, we explore the #1 reason retaining rings fail and reveal how a simple design adjustment can make all the difference."
---

[![ME-Logo-tag_255x85](https://resources.asme.org/hs-fs/hubfs/ME%20Mag/ME-Logo-tag_255x85.png?width=255&height=85&name=ME-Logo-tag_255x85.png "ME-Logo-tag_255x85")](https://www.asme.org/membership/membership-benefits/mechanical-engineering-magazine)

*Technology that moves the world*

# Featured Resource

## #1 Reason for Retaining Ring Failure and How to Overcome It

Retaining ring failure can lead to costly downtime and equipment damage, but what causes it? In this guide, we explore the #1 reason retaining rings fail and reveal how a simple design adjustment can make all the difference. Understanding this key factor can help you enhance reliability, extend component lifespan, and prevent unexpected failures in critical applications.

Key Takeaways:

- Uncover the critical design flaw behind many retaining ring failures.
- Visualize the issue with clear, informative diagrams.
- Apply expert recommendations to correct the problem and enhance your design.

![2025_APR_ASME_WhitePaper_Number1ReasonforRRFailure](https://resources.asme.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2025_APR_ASME_WhitePaper_Number1ReasonforRRFailure.jpg?width=543&height=305&name=2025_APR_ASME_WhitePaper_Number1ReasonforRRFailure.jpg)

 

**Company Profile**

Smalley is a leading manufacturer of wave springs, spiral retaining rings, and constant section rings. They specialize in precision-engineered solutions for industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, and industrial applications. With an innovative edgewound manufacturing process, they offer standard and custom solutions without the need for tooling costs, ensuring flexibility and performance in even the most demanding applications.

 

*Brought to you by:*

[![smalley-logo](https://resources.asme.org/hs-fs/hubfs/ME%20Mag/smalley-logo.jpg?width=470&height=156&name=smalley-logo.jpg)](https://expert.smalley.com/l/104962/2025-03-12/5wxwzz)

 

### Get your free resource

Spread the word!

[![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fresources.asme.org%2Fwhite-paper-number-one-reason-for-retaining-ring-failure-and-how-to-overcome-it%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fresources.asme.org%2Fwhite-paper-number-one-reason-for-retaining-ring-failure-and-how-to-overcome-it%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fresources.asme.org%2Fwhite-paper-number-one-reason-for-retaining-ring-failure-and-how-to-overcome-it%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fresources.asme.org%2Fwhite-paper-number-one-reason-for-retaining-ring-failure-and-how-to-overcome-it%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=White%20Paper%20-%20%231%20Reason%20for%20Retaining%20Ring%20Failure%20and%20How%20to%20Overcome%20It) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fresources.asme.org%2Fwhite-paper-number-one-reason-for-retaining-ring-failure-and-how-to-overcome-it%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fresources.asme.org%2Fwhite-paper-number-one-reason-for-retaining-ring-failure-and-how-to-overcome-it%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail)

### The American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Two Park Avenue  
New York, NY 10016-5990  
[Privacy Statement](https://www.asme.org/About-ASME/Privacy-and-Security-Statement)  
[Communication Preferences](https://preferences.asme.org/)

### Drop us a line

Email: [memag@asme.org](mailto:memag@asme.org)  
U.S/Canada: [1-800-843-2763](tel:1-800-843-2763)  
Mexico: [001-800-843-2763](tel:001-800-843-2763)  
Outside North America: [973-882-1170 ](tel:973-882-1170)

Copyright © 2026 The American Society of Mechanical Engineers. All Rights Reserved.