Critical Repair
Air springs play a vital role in maintaining ride height and overall suspension performance in heavy-duty vehicles. They help stabilize the chassis, level heavy loads, and enhance ride quality – ensuring your rig delivers consistent, confident handling mile after mile.
When air springs begin to fail, prompt replacement is essential to preserve ride control, protect suspension components, and prevent unexpected downtime. While you're making this important repair, it's wise to inspect and consider replacing other ride control parts – especially the shocks. Learn why installing new shocks alongside new air springs can maximize suspension performance and long-term reliability.
How Air Springs and Shocks Work Together
Air springs and shocks work in tandem to optimize suspension performance in commercial vehicles. Air springs maintain ride height and support the vehicle's load, while shocks control bounce and rebound to keep the tires firmly in contact with the road. Without shocks, air springs alone can allow excessive sway or instability. Without air springs, shocks can’t maintain proper ride height or load leveling. Together, they:
- Deliver a smoother, more stable ride
- Reduce wear on tires and other suspension components
- Improve braking and steering response
- Enhance driver comfort and cargo protection
Why You Should Replace Air Springs and Shocks Together
Monroe recommends that you change air springs and shocks at the same time. Resist the temptation to only change the air springs. While you might think that you’re saving money by only changing the air springs, don’t be tempted to compromise. There are many reasons why replacing both the air springs and shocks on the same axle is the right choice for ensuring the ride and handling of your heavy-duty rig.
Restore Ride Quality and Control
Installing new air springs lift and support the load, but if the shocks are worn, you may still experience bounce, sway or uneven handling. Replacing both helps bring back a smooth, stable ride.
Save on Labor and Downtime
While you have the suspension torn down, it makes sense to replace both components. If the parts were originally replaced at the same time, it is likely that once the air springs fail, it won’t be long before the shocks fail. Doing the job once means fewer hours in the shop and more time on the road.
Maintain Consistent Performance
Pairing old shocks with new air bags can cause uneven wear and performance issues. Without properly functioning shocks, the air springs can prematurely fail, compromising the truck’s handling and stability.
Selecting the Right Air Spring or Air Shock
Choosing the right parts are key to a successful repair. When you want to restore your vehicle’s handling and stability, look to Monroe for air springs and shocks that are built to handle the demands of high mileage and severe use. Monroe heavy duty air springs are designed with specially formulated air bellows for extended durability while Monroe’s lineup of commercial vehicle shocks are backed by OE expertise and innovative technologies.
Learn more about premium heavy-duty parts, consult our catalogs, find your car part, or find where to buy your auto part 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. DRiV and its affiliates (including Federal-Mogul Motorparts LLC) will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.