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Updated on Jan 31, 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 suspension airbags?
Where can I get my suspension air bag replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my suspension airbags?
What happens if I don’t replace my suspension airbags?
What are suspension airbags?
Can I replace my suspension airbags myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace suspension airbags?

The total cost you’ll pay to replace your suspension airbags depends on your car and location. But the average cost is around $1,200-$1,500.

How long does it take to replace suspension airbags? The exact replacement time will vary between vehicles. That said, a trained mechanic should take between two and six hours to replace a pair of suspension air springs.

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 suspension airbag replacement, and how much do those parts cost?

It’s always wise to consult your vehicle repair guide and

owner’s manual

to learn model-specific repair information. Here’s a basic list of the parts you may need:

Suspension airbags: The air springs are the primary parts you’re going to replace. Prices can vary substantially, but these parts tend to be pricey, and they can range from $100 to over $1,000.

Air lines and fittings: These are the connectors and hoses that carry air to and from the bags. Depending on your car, you may need to replace the hoses and fittings when you replace the air springs. They can cost between $20 and $100 for a set.

Air compressor and/or air bag suspension control module: Some air suspension systems use an air compressor and/or a control module to manage the system. If these parts are damaged, they can cost between $100 and $500 or more.

You can purchase suspension air bag 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 brands we recommend for suspension airbags are Firestone, ACDelco, and Arnott. For air lines and fittings, VIAIR, PTC, and Dorman are our top recommended brands. Regarding air compressors and air bag suspension control modules, we recommend Air Lift, Firestone, and A1 Cardone. Keep in mind that the best parts and brands for your suspension air bag replacement will vary depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

When it comes to automotive repairs, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are usually the best option.

OEM parts are produced by your car’s manufacturer to be a perfect fit for your vehicle. They’re made of reliable and high-quality materials and come with a strong warranty. But OEM parts can be pricey, and for older vehicles, they may be difficult to find.

Aftermarket parts are designed and built by third-party companies and may fit a broader range of cars. They’re usually cheaper than OEM parts, but you can find them in budget, premium, and performance varieties. Aftermarket parts are great for older cars, drivers who want to cut down on repair costs, and enthusiasts planning to upgrade their rides.

Where can I buy the parts for my suspension airbag replacement?

OEM parts are available at your local dealership or through an authorized parts supplier. You can find a wide variety of aftermarket parts at most auto parts stores—like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts—and online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my suspension air bag replaced?

It can be challenging to find a trustworthy auto repair shop. Luckily, you can use Jerry's

GarageGuard™

to compare repair estimates and hourly rates from more than 2,500 U.S. shops.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ gives you fair price estimates based on the actual hourly rates from shops near you. You can use it to discover local diagnostic fees, budget for future maintenance work, and find shops in your neighborhood with the best customer reviews.

Check out some of our excellent vetted shops below and download the app to search for repair services near you.

190 Reviews

ExperTec Automotive

7680 Talbert Ave, Huntington, CA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$156.64

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (714) 848-9222

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

162 Reviews

Meineke Car Care Center 2913

13845 S. Cicero Avenue, Crestwood, IL

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$65

Compare this shop for free with Jerry 708-954-0458

115 Reviews

University Tire & Auto Service

2908 Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$180

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (323) 733-1236

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 suspension airbags?

The replacement process will vary depending on the model of your vehicle. But here are the general steps a mechanic will follow to replace your suspension airbags:

Disconnect the car battery

Raise the car off the ground

Remove the skid plates or bottom covers

Remove the air lines connected to the driver-side airbags and the passenger-side airbags

Remove the wheels

Remove the hardware securing the airbag to the lower mount—it’s typically a cotter pin or bolt

Remove the top air hose connection heat cover

Pull the air hose away from the airbag to allow the air to escape

When the air is drained, remove the upper mounting hardware

Remove the old airbag

Position the new airbag

Connect the upper hardware and install the air hose

Reinstall the lower hardware

Reconnect all air hoses

Replace the skid plates

Reinstall the wheels

Lower the car and torque the lug nuts

Reconnect the car battery

Check the new airbags for leaks

Test drive the car

What happens if I don’t replace my suspension airbags?

If you neglect faulty suspension air springs and don’t replace them, you’ll likely develop the following issues:

Reduced ride quality: Suspension air springs support the vehicle’s weight and absorb shocks and vibrations. When the bags fail, you’ll likely experience a bumpier and less comfortable ride.

Stability and handling issues: If one or more airbags are damaged, your car may lean to one side. This can lead to reduced control and poor vehicle handling.

Uneven tire wear: Damaged or worn suspension airbags can cause the tires to lose contact with the road momentarily. This can lead to uneven tire wear and premature tire replacements.

Increased braking distance: Faulty airbags can affect your car’s braking ability. Uneven suspension will affect the vehicle’s weight distribution, leading to longer braking distances and unsafe driving conditions.

Damage to other suspension components: Worn-out air springs can put extra stress on the suspension system. This can lead to premature wear and expensive repairs.

Safety concerns: Due to the increased braking distances, reduced handling, and poor ride quality that comes with faulty air springs, your car will be less safe for you, your passengers, and others on the road.

What are suspension airbags?

Suspension airbags—also known as air springs and air struts—are a component of some suspension systems. Like normal struts and shock absorbers, suspension airbags help support your car’s weight and absorb shocks and vibrations. But many air suspension systems provide added benefits, like the ability to adjust your ride height or the air spring damping force.

While commonly found on heavy-duty vehicles in the past, air springs are increasingly common on luxury vehicles and high-end SUVs. They are also popular upgrades for sports and race cars.

When should I replace the suspension airbags on my car?

You should consult your owner’s manual to learn whether your car’s manufacturer specifies a replacement interval for the suspension airbags. That said, there generally isn’t a fixed replacement interval. Instead, you should replace yours if they fail.

The most common signs of bad suspension airbags include the following:

The ride feels loose, spongy, or rough: If your ride feels unusually bumpy or harsh, it may be due to worn-out suspension air springs.

Uneven ride: If the airbags are faulty on one side, your car may sit unevenly.

The air compressor runs more than usual: If the air springs are leaking or otherwise damaged, the compressor may run continuously in an attempt to maintain pressure.

Uneven tire wear: If the air springs are not functioning properly, your car’s tires may lose contact with the road. This can lead to uneven tire wear, like cupping.

How often should I replace my suspension airbags?

There generally isn’t a fixed or universal replacement interval for the suspension airbag system. Some air spring manufacturers recommend replacing them every 50,000 to 70,000 miles, while others say 80,000 to 100,000. As a general rule of thumb, you should inspect the airbags at least every 50,000 miles.

If you notice signs of failure or excessive wear, you should replace them. The most common signs of faulty air springs are a spongy or bouncy ride and vehicle sagging.

Can I replace my suspension airbags myself?

A suspension airbag replacement might be a solid DIY project for experienced hobbyists and home mechanics. It’s generally a mid-to-advanced-level repair job, and novices or those without access to the proper tools will likely struggle.

If you’re confident in your abilities and have the proper tools, you probably won’t have any major issues replacing your air springs. But if you’re uncomfortable working with the air suspension system, you should contact a pro.

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FAQs

Can you drive with a broken air suspension?

You should not drive with a broken air suspension system if you can avoid doing so. Driving with a damaged air suspension system can lead to greater damage, increased repair costs, and significant safety issues.

What causes air suspension failure?

Many things can cause air suspension failure, including the following:

Air leaks

Age and wear

Faulty compressor

Electrical issues

Damaged suspension components

Extreme environmental conditions

Corrosion

Improper repairs

Manufacturer defects

How many years does air suspension last?

There isn’t a definite lifespan for air suspension systems. And the life of your suspension airbags will depend on your driving habits, your environment, and your vehicle. But on average, you should expect the air springs to last for 6 to 10 years.

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.