The total repair cost for an air pump replacement will depend on your vehicle and location. But the average cost is $520, which breaks down into $407 for replacement parts and $112 in mechanic’s labor costs.

How long does it take to replace an air pump? Replacement times can vary greatly depending on the car’s make and model, but you can generally expect an experienced mechanic to take between one and four hours to complete the service.

Here’s a breakdown of air pump replacement costs for different vehicles:

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 22, 2024	Dennis, 25 Thornton, CO	Nissan Altima	$507	$444	$63	0.5 Hours
April 22, 2024	Walter, 25 Syracuse, NY	Kia Niro	$499	$444	$55	0.5 Hours
April 19, 2024	Cynthia, 31 Tempe, AZ	Isuzu NPR	$505	$444	$61	0.5 Hours
April 14, 2024	Florence, 40 Madison, TN	Jaguar XJ	$492	$444	$48	0.5 Hours
April 13, 2024	Lelia, 41 Houston, TX	Eagle Talon	$504	$444	$60	0.5 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.

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What parts do I need for my air pump replacement?

You may be able to find more detailed information in your vehicle repair guide or

owner’s manual

, but here’s a general rundown of the parts you may need:

Air pump: This is the primary part that you’ll be replacing. A new air pump can range from $100 to more than $500.

Air pump gasket: In some vehicles, you may need to replace the air pump gasket as part of your replacement. A new gasket can cost between $10 and $50.

Mounting hardware: If you need new mounting hardware, it can range from a few dollars to around $20.

Air pump hoses: Some air pumps have hoses that connect the pump to other components. If these are damaged, you may need to replace them as part of the air pump replacement. New hoses can cost between $20 and $50.

Electrical connectors: If the air pump has damaged electrical connectors, you may need to replace them at the same time. New connectors can cost around $20.

Top brands for air pumps and electrical connectors include Bosch, Dorman, and ACDelco. For air pump gaskets, search for Fel-Pro, Victor Reinz, and Mahle. Meanwhile, when it comes to mounting hardware for the air pump, common brands include Dorman, Genuine, and Beck Arnley. Finally, for air pump hoses, brands known for dependable hoses include Gates, Dayco, and Motorcraft. You can purchase all these parts for your car from retailers such as AutoZone, Amazon, and RockAuto.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

If you own a relatively new vehicle, you should opt for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts whenever possible. OEM parts are designed specifically to fit your car, and they come with a manufacturer’s warranty. They’re high quality and the best option for repairs, but they also come with steeper price tags.

Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are generally recommended for older vehicles. They tend to be cheaper and more readily available than OEM parts, but they may be of lower quality.

Where can I buy the parts for my air pump replacement?

If you plan to purchase OEM parts, you’ll have to visit your local dealership or contact an authorized parts retailer. You can find aftermarket parts at your local auto parts stores—like Advance Auto Parts and AutoZone—or online retailers like RockAuto and Amazon.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my air pump replaced?

If you don’t already have a trusted mechanic, finding one can be challenging. Fortunately, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

allows you to compare the hourly rates and repair estimates from more than 2,500 repair shops across the country.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ creates fair price estimates using real hourly rates from local shops. Use it to help plan for future repairs, learn about diagnostic fees, and find shops near you with the best customer reviews.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to search for quality repair services in your area.

177 Reviews

54th Street Auto Center

415 W 54th St, New York, NY

Air Pump Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$552

(Parts - $359, Labor - $193)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$191

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (212) 265-3120

193 Reviews

A&M Auto Repair Bellevue

13551 SE 27th Pl, Bellevue, WA

Air Pump Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$521

(Parts - $359, Labor - $162)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$159.99

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (425) 641-9455

195 Reviews

DeLorenzo Tire & Auto Services

8150 Seminole Blvd, Seminole, Seminole, FL

Air Pump Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$497

(Parts - $359, Labor - $138)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$120

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (727) 540-0492

140 Reviews

Stage Auto Center

8734 122nd Ave NE, Kirkland, WA

Air Pump Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$533

(Parts - $359, Labor - $174)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$155

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (425) 820-2490

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 pump?

Your mechanic will follow these general steps to replace your air pump:

Locate the air pump at the front of the engine

Loosen the serpentine belt tensioner and then remove the belt

Remove the hose(s) from the air pump

Disconnect the vacuum lines and electrical connectors

Remove the mounting bolts

Remove the old air pump

Position the new pump and install the mounting hardware

Replace any vacuum lines and electrical connections

Reinstall the air hose(s)

Replace the serpentine belt and tighten it appropriately using the tensioner

What happens if I don’t replace my air pump?

If you have a malfunctioning air pump and don’t replace it, you’re likely to face these issues:

Increased vehicle emissions: The air pump is part of your car’s secondary air injection system. If it fails, your car will begin releasing more toxic emissions into the atmosphere. This is extremely harmful to the environment and can cause you to fail an emissions test.

Reduced performance: A faulty air pump will likely result in poor engine performance, including reduced power and increased fuel consumption.

Catalytic converter damage: The secondary air injection system plays a crucial role in reducing the emissions that exit your exhaust system. If the air pump doesn’t send the necessary air to the catalytic converter, the converter may work less efficiently or overheat. This can lead to very costly damage.

Long-term engine damage: Sometimes, a faulty air pump can lead to a lean condition, meaning the engine has too much air and not enough fuel. This can cause the engine to overheat and suffer damage.

Legal issues: If you live in an area with strict emissions laws, driving without a properly functioning air pump can lead to fines or other consequences.

What is an air pump?

An air pump—also known as a secondary air injection pump or a smog pump—is a critical part of your car’s secondary air injection system. This system, which itself is part of the emissions system, injects fresh air into your exhaust system to produce a cleaner burn before the fumes exit the tailpipe. Secondary air injection systems are found on many modern vehicles with gasoline engines and serve to reduce the amount of harmful emissions your car releases into the atmosphere.

When should I replace the air pump in my car?

As there aren’t set replacement schedules for air pumps, you’ll only need to replace yours when it fails and is no longer sending airflow into the exhaust system. These are the most common symptoms of a faulty air pump:

Rough engine performance: A rough-running engine is one of the first signs of a faulty air pump. When the air pump goes bad, the engine might receive the incorrect air/fuel mixture, resulting in a rough engine idle or engine stalling issues.

Poor engine performance: It’s also common for a faulty air pump to result in engine performance issues. You may notice a reduction in horsepower, and your engine may hesitate or stumble during acceleration.

Check engine light (CEL): If your car’s computer system detects a problem with the air pump, you’ll likely notice the check engine light appears on your dash. That said, the light may appear for a variety of reasons, and you’ll need to use an onboard diagnostics (OBD) scan tool to determine the actual cause.

Keep in mind: That these issues may indicate other issues with the fuel or exhaust system, like a faulty O2 sensor. To accurately diagnose your car’s problem, you should visit a certified mechanic.

How often should I replace my air pump?

Automotive manufacturers don’t typically provide replacement schedules for air pumps—you only need to replace yours if it fails. Some of the top signs that point to air pump failure include a check engine light and reduced engine performance.

Can I replace my air pump myself?

An air pump replacement can be a great DIY project for home mechanics with mid-level experience. It requires intermediate mechanical knowledge and basic tools. But with the right guidance, even novices shouldn’t struggle to complete the replacement.

That said, if you’re uncomfortable replacing the air pump yourself or don’t have access to the right tools or an appropriate space, you should contact a professional mechanic.

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FAQs

Can you drive with a bad air pump?

While you technically can drive with a bad air pump, you should avoid doing so whenever possible. Driving with a faulty air pump can lead to a variety of issues, including:

Increased emissions

Reduced performance

Damage to other components

And legal consequences

If you have a bad air pump, the best course of action is to replace it as soon as possible.

What causes an air pump to fail?

A variety of issues can cause an air pump to fail. Some of the most common causes include:

Mechanical wear and tear

Electrical problems

Debris and contaminants

Excessive moisture

Overheating

Environmental factors

Oil contamination

How important is an air pump?

The secondary air injection pump plays a vital role in reducing the amount of toxic pollutants your car releases into the atmosphere. The air pump introduces clean air into the exhaust system, which results in a more thorough and cleaner burn. This action reduces the amount of toxins that can enter and pollute the atmosphere, resulting in cleaner air for all of us.

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.