Shocks 101

What Are Air Springs?

Smoothing Out the Ride

Potholes, bumps and other road obstacles are hard on your vehicle and it’s up to the suspension system to smooth out the ride. For vehicles with an air suspension system, air springs are crucial to the system absorbing the bumps and other impacts to deliver a comfortable ride. Discover how air springs work to improve the ride and performance of your vehicle.

What is an Air Suspension?

All vehicles come equipped with a suspension system to help it navigate the countless number of obstacles it encounters as it rolls down the road. The two main types of suspension in use are:

Standard suspension – uses hydraulic shocks/struts and steel coil springs
Air suspension – uses hydraulic shocks/struts and pneumatic springs

Air suspension is found on many luxury vehicles and higher trim levels of trucks and SUVs from several manufacturers including Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Ram, Subaru, Tesla, Volkswagen and Volvo. Depending on the model, air suspension may come as standard from the factory, or it could be added as an option.

How Do Air Springs Work?

Air springs, also called pneumatic springs, feature a rubber sleeve that contains pressurized air and a piston that attaches the air spring to a shock or strut. An electric compressor inflates the air springs to the desired pressure and when inflated, the air springs support the weight of the vehicle and absorb the impacts as the car hits bumps and dips. By adjusting the air pressure in the air springs, the air suspension can be raised or lowered. As the ride height changes, how the suspension performs changes.

What Are the Advantages of Air Springs?

Air springs come with many advantages:

Why You Should Replace Air Shocks or Struts

Worn air shocks and struts can cause the vehicle to bounce, squat, dive and roll excessively leading to handling issues and an uncomfortable ride. Replacing air shocks or struts on a car, truck or SUV is a worthwhile investment to restore ride height and maintain the vehicle’s performance to ensure a smoother, more comfortable driving experience.

Improved Ride Quality

Designed to handle the bumps, dips and jarring that comes from driving over potholes and rough roads, air shocks and struts effectively absorb the energy from these roadway hazards to deliver a smoother ride.

Adjustability

With air shocks and struts, you can adjust the ride firmness and height. Depending on driving conditions, you can choose a softer ride on rough roads, or a firm feel for highway trips.

Improved Towing Capabilities

When towing or carrying a heavy load, air shocks and struts system can help keep the rear of the vehicle level which reduces the risk of sagging, bottoming out and excessive tire wear.

Longer Parts Life

Replacing air shocks and struts reduces vibrations which can help curtail wear and tear on other suspension parts.

Signs of Failing Air Springs

While air springs typically last 100,000 miles, they are subject to wear and tear and may need to be replaced. If the air springs fail, it can result in poor handling and/or an uncomfortable ride. If you notice any of these symptoms of bad air springs, make an appointment with your technician. Driving with failing air springs isn’t safe and should be avoided.

Vehicle Sitting Lower

When the air springs lose air and are no longer properly functioning, the vehicle will visibly sit lower than normal.

Uneven Stance

If one side of the vehicle is sitting lower, it could be an indicator of a bad air spring on that side.

Noisy Air Compressor

An air compressor that is running more than usual can indicate air leaks in the air springs.

Rough Ride

Feeling every bump as you travel down the road is a sign that there could be issues with the air springs.

Damage to Bellows

Tears or cracks into the bellows can cause air spring failure.

Check Air Suspension Light

Bad air springs cause a warning light to illuminate. You may see an icon of a car with an arrow pointing up and down or on older vehicles, it could say “Stop, car too low.”

Learn more about quality shocks, struts, and strut assemblies, find the right car part, or find a local repair shop today.

The content in this article is for informational purposes only. You should consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have questions relating to any of the topics covered herein. Tenneco will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.

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