To predict the effect of ring expansion and ring compression on residual stress relief of Al 7175 ring rot]s, 2-D axisymmetric thermal analysis and elastoplastic analysis were performed. The residual stress distributions along the thickness of T73, T7351 and T7352 treated rings were measured using three step sectioning method. The measured results were compared to numerical ones for quenched and stress relieved rings. After quenching, calculated hoop and axial residual stresses were similar to measured ones for T73 treated rings. The residual stresses of T7351 and T7352 treated rings were decreased remarkably compared to T73 treated rings. The effect of axial residual stress relief was superior to that of hoop one, and also ring compression to ring expansion. It was concluded that ring compression is advantageous over ring expansion in view of stress relief effect and practicality, and vice versa in view of dimensional control and press power.