How long does it take to replace air springs? In general, it takes around 2 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 springs 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 likely need:

Air springs: This is the main suspension component that needs to be replaced. Airbag springs are part of your car’s air suspension system, and their function is to lift the weight of the car. On their own, new air springs can range anywhere from $100 to $1500, depending on your car’s make and model.

Air shocks: Air shocks work with air springs in order to regulate the movement of a vehicle's suspension during varying driving conditions. Like air springs, new air shocks can also range anywhere from $100 to $1500.

Air compressor: The suspension’s compressor works together with sensors to adjust the inflatable airbag springs as driving conditions change. While your air compressor might not need replacement quite yet, if there are any air leaks in the suspension system, it’s a good idea to have the air compressor checked by your mechanic during the air springs replacement. Typically, a new air compressor costs between $40 and $1000.

You can buy air springs 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 compressors are Viair, ACDelco, and Arnott. For air shocks and air springs, we recommend Monroe, Arnott, and Firestone. However, remember that the best parts and brands for your air springs replacement will vary based on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

Should I buy an OEM or aftermarket air springs?

While aftermarket air springs can be cheaper and offer more customization options, they may not always provide a precise fit. On the other hand, OEM air springs are manufactured by the car's original maker, ensuring a tailored fit for your vehicle.

Ask your mechanic for expert advice if you have any doubts or questions.

Where can I buy air springs replacement?

You can buy air springs at body shops and auto parts shops like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts. You can also find some cost-effective options on Amazon or RockAuto.

That being said, before making any purchases, it’s important to first check your owner’s manual to confirm that the parts you’re purchasing are compatible with your vehicle.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my air springs replaced?

Looking for a mechanic to replace your air springs can be hard, especially if you don't have a trusted shop. 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.

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

143 Reviews

MTR Auto Service

8532 Terminal Rd unit w, Springfield, VA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$145

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (703) 596-4878

177 Reviews

54th Street Auto Center

415 W 54th St, New York, NY

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$191

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

108 Reviews

FULLSERV Auto Care

15436 S Cicero Ave, Oak Forest, IL

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (708) 925-9954

155 Reviews

TLC Fleet

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (505) 720-5572

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 springs?

Here are some typical steps a mechanic will take when replacing your vehicle’s airbag springs:

Verify the air suspension’s problem is related to the air spring

Remove the wheel

Remove the faulty air springs

Install new air springs

Put the wheel back on

Start the vehicle to verify the airbag springs level the vehicle properly

Test drive the vehicle to ensure proper operation

What happens if I don’t replace the bad air springs?

If you don't promptly replace your bad air springs, you risk the following:

Reduced handling and stability of your vehicle, especially when turning corners

Reduced vehicle performance, resulting in an uncomfortable ride

Uneven ride height

Increased tire wear

Increased risk of accident

The bottom line: We recommend getting this replacement as soon as possible after discovering the problem.

What are air springs?

Air springs, despite their name, function differently from traditional coil springs.

Air springs, or airbag springs, are integral components of your car's air suspension system, powered by an electric air pump or compressor. The suspension system maintains vehicle stability during movement. Meanwhile, air springs act as rubber bags of air, providing space between the chassis and axles.

There are multiple kinds of airbag springs, but most can be classified under these two categories:

Sleeve style: Smaller in diameter and relatively flexible, sleeve-style air springs are designed with lift and ride stabilization in mind. They’re more ideal for tight spaces when the vehicle load will be lighter.

Convoluted/Bellows style: Wider and larger, these tend to have heavier load capacity and are commonly used in trailers, heavy-duty pickup trucks, and tow trucks.

What are the symptoms of bad air springs?

There are a few common symptoms that your air springs needs replacement, such as:

More difficult handling

The compressor seems to be running more

Sagging or bouncing as you drive

Dipping or leaning when braking or accelerating

Decreased riding quality

Keep in mind: You might be able to spot an air springs problem just by looking at the car itself. If you’re parked on a flat surface, you might notice one corner of the car dipping lower toward the ground than the other three corners, almost as if you have a flat tire.

What is the life expectancy of air springs?

While airbag springs, or air springs, don’t have a set “life expectancy,” they’re normally fairly durable. However, after around 4-10 years of repeated use, they’ll degrade and require replacement.

Pro tip: Get your airbag springs checked anytime you have a

standard car maintenance

check-up.

Is replacing air springs yourself easy?

Replacing air springs is best left to those with advanced auto repair skills.

It involves working with suspension components, compressed air, and various tools, which can be complex and potentially dangerous if not done correctly. If you lack experience with complex DIY car projects, it’s advisable to let a certified mechanic diagnose and fix the problem.

FAQs

What causes air springs to go bad?

The most common cause of bad air springs is regular wear and tear. Over time, your air springs will wear down, making them susceptible to cracks and leaks. However, unlike a balloon, air springs aren’t going to pop when they crack; in fact, they’ll slowly vent and lose air pressure, which reduces your ride quality over time.

Is the air suspension system expensive to replace?

Yes, generally it’s a pretty pricey system to replace. This is because air suspensions aren’t that common in regular cars. They’re often used in select European imports, usually on the luxury end of the car spectrum.

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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.