Counterfeit seal blew out during my pressure test | Aircraft Mechanics

Jamie Carter · 2026-03-01T19:55:32.131808+00:00

I installed a new hydraulic seal from a supplier I've used before. It failed completely under pressure and made a huge mess on the hangar floor. What's your go-to method for spotting fake aircraft parts?

gavine417mo ago

Yikes, that's a messy failure. One thing I always do is inspect the part's markings under a magnifying glass for sharpness. Fakes often have blurred or shallow engravings, so checking the part number on the maker's website helps too.

6

leet297mo ago

Ever check the supplier's certs before you even open the box?

5

the_blair7mo ago

Honestly, that seal blowing out is the universe's way of saying you need a better parts guy. Tbh, I just smell new seals now, since fakes often have that weird chemical stink instead of proper rubber. Works more often than not, and keeps the floor clean.

2