How to Install Air Ride Suspension

Air ride suspensions are incredibly diverse suspension systems that are chosen for many different vehicles. Trucks and SUVs that haul heavy loads often use variable air ride struts to help balance the load and maintain the correct ride height when weighed down. Air ride suspensions are also used in custom cars that are looking to lower the vehicle at will but still maintain a normal ride height. They can even be used in the average car to give it a softer ride.

All types of air suspensions are fairly similar even with the wide range of vehicles they are used in. These air systems usually contain a height sensor, an air bag and air strut, a compressor, and air lines.

This article will cover the installation of the type of air ride system that is most often used.

Part 1 of 2: Removing the old components

Materials Needed

  • Basic tool set
  • Sockets and ratchet
  • Air ride suspension kit
  • Eye protection
  • Jack
  • Jack stands

  • Warning: Air ride systems use high pressure air. Always wear the proper eye protection and protective gear when working with air ride systems.

person jacking up a car

Step 1: Prepare the vehicle. Wearing eye protection, use the jack to lift the vehicle and secure it on jack stands. Then remove the tires.

technician removing the old suspension

Step 2: Remove the coil spring and front struts. Determine whether the air suspension is just going to be in the rear or if the kit is for the front and rear.

If the front is going to be addressed, remove the front struts from the vehicle as per the kit instructions.

Rear coil springs should be removed if rear air springs are going to be installed.

removing spare tire to make room for the compressor

Step 3: Prepare to install the air suspension. If the kit being installed uses a compressor, the most common place to install this is in the spare tire well.

Remove the spare tire and any interior panels required to make room for the compressor to sit in the trunk.

Part 2 of 2: Installing the air suspension

rear air spring in place

Step 1: Install the rear air spring. Install the rear air spring, or rear coil, in place of the previous spring.

The air spring will support the weight of the vehicle once installation is finished.

front air strut installed into the vehicle

Step 2: Install the front air struts. The front air struts will be installed in place of the previous front air struts.

These will support the weight of the front of the vehicle once the installation is finished.

  • Note: There are many different styles and fitments for front air struts depending on make, model, and suspension type.

compressor and air tank in spare tire opening

Step 3: Install the air compressor and air tank. The air compressor and the air tank are usually installed into the vehicle’s spare tire well.

Each air suspension kit will have specific instructions on where to install these.

  • Note: The compressor fills the air tank with compressed air which allows the lowering and raising of the air suspension. The compressor holds various amounts of air, usually three to five gallons depending on the vehicle size and weight.

air lines running to the compressor and compressor wiring

Step 4: Wire the compressor for air and power. The air compressor will need power to operate.

Generally this wiring is routed through a relay and fuse, then to battery power.

Each corner of the vehicle will need its own airline that is then run to the compressor. These air lines must be tucked under the vehicle so they do not bend and break when driving. The lines are attached to the compressor so the air suspension can be controlled.

Step 5: Do a final check of the installation and setup. Look over the installation and make sure all components are tight.

Most air systems will also need to be cycled a few times and checked for proper operation. Each kit has a slightly different setup and test procedures, so be sure to follow your manual’s specific instructions.

Operate the air suspension to confirm that the vehicle attains the proper ride height. This may require some adjustment.

Lastly, the air suspension should be checked for any leaks before it is driven.

  • Warning: Air suspension systems will require extra maintenance and repairs as needed. Altering the suspension in any way may affect driving characteristics of the vehicle and void any warranty.

Air suspension can be a helpful addition to your vehicle, whether it is to help carry a load or to improve how a vehicle rides. If at any time during the installation process any questions arise, you can always Ask a Mechanic to recieve quick, detailed advice. If you do not feel entirely comfortable working on this yourself, qualified technicians at YourMechanic can help you with any repairs, replacements, or other services concerning your suspension.


The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Need Help With Your Car?

Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair.

GET A QUOTE

Related articles

How to Change a Sway Bar Link
Sway bar links connect the sway bar to the suspension and chassis. Though sway bar links vary in design, the steps for replacing them are similar.
How to Replace an Air Suspension Dryer Assembly
The air suspension dryer assembly keeps air in the suspension system dry to prevent rust. Sagging or bounciness while driving are signs of failure.
5 Car Parts Potholes Can Damage
Car damage from potholes is common during the spring season. Check for tire bulges, suspension problems, and body damage if you drive over a pothole.

Related questions

Front coil spring housing corroded and broke away
Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 1997 Mercedes-Benz E300. This is also related to your other question regarding the coil springs. As explained, the perch is a structure that supports the coil springs. Often times, when one or...
Added 2' wheel spacers and at 65+mph starts to wiggle steering wheel
Hello. The wheel spacers are what is causing this. Once you change the placement of the wheels like this, it changes the geometry of the suspension which causes it to act like this. If there are any worn out parts...
Noisy frame bushing on the right side
Hey there. The upper and lower control arm (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/control-arm-assembly-replacement) or sway bar bushings (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/stabilizer-bar-bushings-replacement) along with the upper and lower ball joints are all common wear components on the front end causing this noise. (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-making-a-noise-inspection). The front end would need...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com