I prefer to have them seated prior to assembly just to make sure you don't have a twist (potential leak). those o-rings are pretty durable. Once I have them on the sleeve, I roll them as far down as I can get them use a small, flat plastic blade on each side between the ring and the sleeve to "pry" it down. Rotate the position of the blades and go at it a few more times and PRESTO, they're seated. At least that's how I get it done and i've not had a leak yet.