How long does it take to replace air shocks? In general, it takes around 1-1.5 hours for a certified mechanic to complete the job. Your mechanic will perform a preliminary inspection to determine if a replacement is necessary, then follow through with the full replacement.

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 shocks replacement and how much do those parts cost?

You can check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic for precise parts, but here are the main things you’ll need:

Air shocks: This is the main suspension component that needs to be replaced. Air shocks, also known as shock absorbers, are an essential part of the vehicle’s suspension system that uses air-filled bags to support the vehicle's weight and regulate the movement of a vehicle's suspension. On average, new air shocks can range anywhere from $100 to $1500, depending on your car’s make and model.

Air springs: Airbag springs are part of your car’s air suspension system, and their function is to lift the weight of the car. Get them checked if you’re experiencing issues with your shocks. They usually also cost between $100 to $1500.

Air compressor: Although you might not need to replace your air compressor just yet if there are air leaks in the suspension system, it’s a good idea to have the air compressor investigated by your mechanic during the air shocks replacement. Typically, a new air compressor costs from $40 to $1000.

You can buy air shock parts for your car from auto parts stores like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and RockAuto. Three of our top recommended brands for air shocks are Monroe, Bilstein, and Arnott. For air springs, we recommend Monroe, Arnott, and Firestone and our air compressor recommendations include Viair, ACDelco, and Firestone. However, be mindful that the best parts and brands for your air suspension air shock replacement will vary based on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

Where can I buy air shocks replacement?

You can purchase air shocks at body shops and auto parts shops like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts. You can also find air shocks on Amazon or RockAuto.

However, make sure to first check your owner’s manual to confirm that the parts you’re purchasing are compatible with your vehicle.

Should I buy an OEM or aftermarket air shocks?

Choosing OEM parts for your shocks and struts offers several advantages.

Although aftermarket options are often more affordable, they can lack a precise fit. In contrast, OEM parts are designed specifically for your vehicle. Moreover, OEM parts typically come with a warranty, providing added peace of mind, whereas aftermarket parts may not offer the same level of guarantee.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my air shocks replaced?

Looking for a mechanic to replace your air shocks can be challenging, especially if you don't have a trusted garage. Thankfully, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

is here to assist you by comparing prices from over 2,500 reputable auto repair shops across the US.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ evaluates fair price estimates from each auto shop, taking into account their actual hourly labor costs. It will help you determine if diagnostic fees are included in the service cost and access real customer reviews to help you select the best service.

Browse through some of our vetted shops, and be sure to download the app to compare quotes for automotive repairs in your area.

174 Reviews

Yoo's Auto Service & Collision

189 W Duncannon Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$100

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (215) 457-7777

175 Reviews

Fuerst Automotive

8116 Broadview Rd, Cleveland, OH

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$129

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (440) 526-4994

114 Reviews

Dunn Tire - Mattydale #20

2803 Brewerton Rd, Syracuse, NY

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$109.99

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (315) 698-7366

173 Reviews

Herald's Garage Inc

8124 Alondra Blvd, Long Beach, CA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$120

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (562) 633-2136

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 shocks?

Your mechanic will do the following during an air shocks replacement:

Inspect air shocks

Remove faulty air shocks

Install new air shocks

Test air shocks

Test drive vehicle to ensure new air shocks are in good working order

Keep in mind: A wheel alignment should be conducted after installing new shocks.

What happens if I don’t replace bad air shocks?

If you don't replace bad shocks, you risk the following:

Compromised ride quality and comfort

Poor vehicle stability

Increased braking distance

Uneven tire wear

Vehicle height issues

A lack of control which can result in a car accident

What are air shocks?

Air shocks are part of a vehicle’s air suspension system, which is powered by an electric compressor. They adjust the height of your vehicle while you drive and help you turn corners smoothly.

Air shocks use inflatable

airbags

to keep your car supported and comfortable. As you drive, the pump or compressor will work together with multiple sensors to promptly react and adapt to changing road conditions.

What are the symptoms of bad air shocks?

There might be a few symptoms that your air shocks needs fixing, such as:

Car becomes more difficult to handle

Compressor runs more frequently

Car bounces or sags more when you drive (you can feel this through the steering wheel)

Shocks begin leaking oil

Leaning or dipping when braking or accelerating

Strange tire tread patterns due to vehicle’s uneven balance

Clunking noises from car’s suspension

Steering difficulties

How often do you need to replace air shocks?

Air shocks tend to last longer than older gas-powered ones. Typically, air shocks require replacement once they reach around 80,000 to 100,000 miles.

Keep in mind: Aggressive driving or rough road conditions can accelerate this process. Air shock deterioration occurs gradually, not all at once.

Is replacing air shocks yourself easy?

Although you can certainly try replacing the air shocks yourself, you should be confident in your DIY auto repair skills. For the average car owner, we recommend letting a certified mechanic diagnose and fix the problem.

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FAQs

How long does it take to replace air shocks?

This service takes around one hour to complete.

What causes air shocks to go bad?

The air shocks can develop tiny holes over time due to age, extreme temperatures, and regular use. These small holes may lead to slow air leaks from the system.

As a result, the air compressor may struggle to maintain the necessary air pressure in the air springs.

Can you drive with bad air shocks?

You shouldn’t drive with bad air shocks.

A fully functional suspension system is vital for controlling your vehicle's speed and direction on the road. If you have bad air shocks, handling your vehicle becomes challenging, increasing your risk of getting in a road accident.

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.