Worried you might overpay for your air bleed housing assembly replacement? Use Jerry's GarageGuard™ to get fair cost estimate for your air bleed housing assembly replacement.

Get Fair Repair Cost Estimate

No spam

Compare shops near you

Always know how much you should pay

Updated on Feb 12, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace an air bleed housing assembly?
Where can I get my license plate light replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my air bleed housing assembly?
What happens if I don’t replace my air bleed housing assembly?
What is an air bleed housing assembly?
Can I replace my air bleed housing assembly myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

Load full table of contents

How much does it cost to replace an air bleed housing assembly?

The exact cost to replace your air bleed housing assembly will depend on your car and location. The average cost is $296, which breaks down into $106 for replacement parts and $190 in labor costs.

How long does it take to replace an air bleed housing assembly? While the exact time will vary from vehicle to vehicle, a trained mechanic should take between 30 minutes and one hour to complete the replacement.

Here’s a breakdown of air bleed housing assembly replacement costs for different vehicles:

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
November 14, 2024	Darrell, 25 Fayetteville, NC	Audi A4	$676	$126	$550	5.0 Hours
November 5, 2024	Winifred, 41 Cedar Rapids, IA	Buick Regal	$751	$126	$625	5.0 Hours
November 5, 2024	Dean, 42 Grand Rapids, MI	Jaguar XJ8	$826	$126	$700	5.0 Hours
November 5, 2024	John, 42 Salt Lake City, UT	Fiat 500X	$560	$71	$490	4.5 Hours
November 5, 2024	Etta, 42 Jersey City, NJ	Toyota Tercel	$229	$112	$118	1.0 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

See fair price estimates for popular cars

What parts do I need for my air bleed housing assembly replacement?

You can check your vehicle repair guide or

owner’s manual

for more detailed information. But here is a general overview of the parts you may need:

Air bleed housing assembly: This is the primary part you’ll need to replace. Depending on your vehicle, the replacement price can range from $20 to upwards of $100.

Coolant: Before replacing the air bleed housing assembly, you’ll have to drain the engine coolant. When you finish the replacement, you’ll have to refill the system with fresh coolant. A one-gallon container of coolant typically costs between $10 and $30.

Some reputable brands we recommend for reliable air bleed housing assembly are AC Delco, Dorman, and Motorcraft. Meanwhile, some of the the best coolant brands include Prestone, Zerex, and Peak. You can typically find these brands from retailers such as AutoZone, RockAuto, and Advance Auto Parts, both online and in-store. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle's specific year, make, and model.

Where can I buy the parts for my air bleed housing assembly replacement?

You’ll have to contact your local dealership or authorized parts retailer if you want OEM parts. If you’re fine using aftermarket parts, you can find them at your local auto parts stores—like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts —or online retailers like RockAuto and Amazon.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

Generally, you should opt for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts whenever possible. OEM parts are designed specifically to fit your vehicle and come with a manufacturer’s warranty. They tend to be high quality—but they’re also pricey.

Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, offer a more universal fit and come with a cheaper price tag.

While OEM parts are typically the best option, aftermarket parts have their place. And you may choose to go with an aftermarket, universal coolant to save some cash—just make sure you check the part number to confirm it works with your car.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my license plate light replaced?

With the rundown on 2,500+ vetted repair shops nationwide, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can make the search for a mechanic to replace your license plate light a lot easier.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from local shops using actual hourly rates. You’ll be able to budget for diagnostic fees and see reviews from previous customers to make sure you’ll be happy with your service.

Here’s a look at some of our vetted shops below—and you can download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.

137 Reviews

Wrench Inc. DBA Otobots - SFO

Air Bleed Housing Assembly Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$334

(Parts - $59, Labor - $275)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

137 Reviews

Pep Boys Auto Parts & Service - Morse Rd #237

1321 Morse Rd, Columbus, OH

Air Bleed Housing Assembly Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$360

(Parts - $59, Labor - $301)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$99.99

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (614) 784-1266

104 Reviews

Import Auto Service

6540 Edsall Rd, Springfield, VA

Air Bleed Housing Assembly Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$334

(Parts - $59, Labor - $275)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (703) 569-2332

163 Reviews

Velasquez Auto Care - Hampton

7623 W Hampton Ave, Milwaukee, WI

Air Bleed Housing Assembly Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$290

(Parts - $59, Labor - $231)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$35

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (414) 253-2225

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my air bleed housing assembly?

If you visit a mechanic for the replacement, these are the general steps they will follow:

Allow the engine to cool completely

Drain the coolant

Locate the air bleed housing assembly—it looks like a black box with a bleeder screw on the top and is typically located near the cooling system’s highest point or the thermostat housing

Disconnect any hoses attached to the air bleed housing assembly

Remove the assembly’s mounting hardware

Remove the old air bleed housing assembly

Position the new assembly and install the mounting hardware

Replace any hoses that were removed

Refill the system with coolant

Bleed the cooling system

Check for leaks while the engine is running

What happens if I don’t replace my air bleed housing assembly?

If you don’t replace a faulty air bleed housing assembly, you risk developing the following issues:

Coolant airlocks: If the air bleed housing assembly doesn’t work to release air, the engine cooling system may develop pockets of air that block the flow of coolant. This will reduce the cooling system’s efficiency and may lead to reduced performance and engine damage.

Engine overheating: If the system develops airlocks, the engine is likely to overheat, resulting in potentially costly damage.

Coolant leaks: A faulty air bleed housing assembly can cause coolant leaks.

Expensive repairs: If a faulty air bleed housing assembly causes coolant leaks or airlocks, you’re likely to develop severe damage, like blown gaskets or a seized engine.

What is an air bleed housing assembly?

The air bleed housing assembly is responsible for removing air bubbles trapped in the cooling system. Air bubbles prevent coolant from cycling through the engine block properly, leading to overheating issues.

The air bleed housing assembly typically sits at the highest point of the cooling system. As air rises, it collects beneath the assembly. Many modern air bleed housing assemblies are designed to purge air passively as it collects beneath the assembly.

Older systems have bleeder screws mounted on top of the assembly—when you crack the bleeder valve, the air escapes the system, helping maintain proper coolant circulation.

When should I replace the air bleed housing assembly on my car?

There is no set replacement schedule for the air bleed housing assembly. That means you should only replace yours when it fails. Here are the most common signs of a bad air bleed housing assembly:

Engine overheating: If the air bleed housing assembly can’t release air bubbles, the cooling system may be unable to circulate coolant properly to maintain the optimum operating temperature. This can lead to engine overheating issues.

Coolant leaks: Coolant leaks are a common sign of a faulty air bleed housing assembly.

Strange sounds: If you hear bubbling or gurgling sounds coming from the cooling system, it could be a sign that air is trapped inside.

Erratic temperature gauge: If your dashboard temperature gauge is bouncing back and forth, it may be a sign that the air bleed housing assembly is malfunctioning.

Coolant discoloration: Air can cause the coolant to appear milky or frothy. If you notice your coolant looks strange, it could be a sign of a bad air bleed housing assembly.

Reduced heater performance: Air bubbles in the coolant can affect the heater core’s performance. If you notice that your car’s heater doesn’t work as well as it used to, it may be a sign of a faulty air bleed housing assembly.

Keep in mind: Many of these issues can point to other problems with the cooling system, like a faulty water pump, cracked radiator hoses, or a low coolant level in the coolant reservoir.

How often should I replace my air bleed housing assembly?

The air bleed housing assembly doesn’t typically require maintenance or service, and there is no set replacement schedule for it. That means that you’ll only need to replace yours if it malfunctions.

But due to its location and purpose, it’s unlikely that the average driver will notice the air bleed housing assembly is faulty. Typically, a mechanic will discover the problem during a routine radiator service. Because of that, it’s extremely important to maintain your

cooling system

and keep up with regular maintenance.

Can I replace my air bleed housing assembly myself?

An air bleed housing replacement can be a solid DIY project—if you have the right know-how and tools.

This is typically considered a mid-level job, requiring basic mechanical skills and knowledge of automotive cooling systems. Moderately experienced home mechanics should be able to replace the coolant air bleeder with relative ease, but novices may struggle.

If you’re not confident in your automotive repair skills, you should reach out to a professional mechanic.

Explore Popular Repair Services

Hood Lift Support Shocks Replacement Cost Estimate

Receiver Dryer Replacement Cost Estimate

Timing Belt Replacement Cost Estimate

Evp Position Sensor Replacement Cost Estimate

Steering Damper Replacement Cost Estimate

Exhaust Gas Recirculation Egr Valve Replacement Cost Estimate

FAQs

Do I need to bleed a car radiator?

Yes—you should bleed your radiator (and the entire cooling system) after:

A coolant change

Cooling system repairs

Your engine overheats

Cooling system maintenance

What happens if you don’t bleed air from a radiator?

If there’s air in your car’s cooling system and you don’t purge it, you’ll most likely face the following issues:

Overheating engine

Reduced cooling system efficiency

Airlocks and coolant loss

An unreliable temperature gauge

Inconsistent vehicle heating

Increased wear and tear

Reduced engine performance

How do I know if air is trapped in my radiator?

The following are common signs that air is trapped in your radiator or cooling system:

Engine overheating

Gurgling or bubbling sounds

Coolant level fluctuations

Erratic temperature gauge

Poor cabin heating

Visible bubbles in the coolant

Coolant leaks

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.