5 Common Air Bag Install Mistakes header.

5 Common Air Bag Install Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Written by: Nicki B.

Last Updated:9/29/2025

What are the most common mistakes when installing vehicle air bags?

So you’re ready to install an air bag kit on your truck? Good call. Air bags make towing and hauling a whole lot smoother. But here’s the deal—installing them isn’t rocket science, yet I’ve seen plenty of neighbors trip over the same handful of mistakes. (I should know, I’ve been guilty of a couple myself.)

The good news? They’re easy to avoid once you know what to watch out for. Let’s walk through the top five “oops” moments I see all the time—and the quick fixes that keep your install drama-free.

In this article:

Twisting the Air Line During Installation
Mounting Brackets Backwards or Upside Down
Skipping the Heat Shield Near the Exhaust
Cutting the Air Line the Wrong Way
Skipping the Leak Test

Mistake #1: Twisting the Air Line During Installation

Why do air bag air lines leak?

Those push-to-connect fittings are picky. If you shove the line in at an angle and twist as you go, you’re basically signing yourself up for a slow, annoying leak.

Do this instead:

Grab a sharp tubing cutter (skip the scissors).
Make a nice, square cut—clean edges seal better.
Push the line straight in, then give it a gentle tug to double-check it’s locked.

I learned the hard way that “good enough” cuts are never actually good enough.

Cutting an Air Line with a Line Cutter Tool.

Cutting an air line using a tubing cutter.

Mistake #2: Mounting Brackets Backwards or Upside Down

Can you mount air bag brackets wrong?

Yep, it’s possible. Some brackets look symmetrical, but they’re not. Get it flipped, and you’ll crush a wire loom or throw off the whole alignment.

Do this instead:

Match every bracket to the manual diagram—don’t wing it.
Snap a few photos along the way so you can retrace your steps.
Check out a vehicle-specific install video if you’re unsure (they’ve saved me more than once).

Mistake #3: Skipping the Heat Shield Near the Exhaust

Do you really need the air bag heat shield?

Absolutely. Exhaust pipes and rubber air springs are not friends. Without that little heat shield, your brand-new bag could cook itself in no time.

Do this instead:

Always install the heat shield if your exhaust is within 6 inches of the bag.
Clamp it snug, right between the bag and the heat.
Double-check placement before you put the spare tire back up.

Trust me—you don’t want the smell of melted air bag in your driveway.

Mistake #4: Cutting the Air Line the Wrong Way

Why does the air line cut matter?

A jagged or angled cut might still fit in the connector, but guess what? That faint hissing sound you hear later…that’s your leak talking.

Do this instead:

Use a clean razor blade or a line cutter tool.
Make the cut flat—no crushing, no bending.
Never cut while the line is bent or under tension.

Mistake #5: Skipping the Leak Test

How do you check for leaks in an air bag system?

You’re excited, the bags are in, and you’re ready to hit the road. But if you don’t do a leak check, you could be setting yourself up for saggy suspension on your very first haul.

Do this instead:

Inflate the bags to about 60–70 PSI.
Spray soapy water on every fitting.
Watch for bubbles — even small ones count. If you spot one, cut and reconnect.

Soap bubbles around the fitting.

Wrap-Up: Do Air Bag Installs Right the First Time

Most of these mistakes come down to rushing or skipping a “boring” step. Slow down, follow the manual, and grab the right tools. Do it once, do it right, and your air bags will keep your truck level—whether you’re towing, hauling, or just out exploring.

At etrailer, we’ve been through these installs ourselves (and helped thousands of neighbors through theirs). That’s why we share vehicle-specific videos, real-life tips, and the right parts to match your setup. Bottom line: when you shop and install with us, you’re not doing it alone—you’ve got a whole team making sure your truck is ready for the road.

Want backup? etrailer’s installation video library shows real installs on real trucks, so you can see exactly what it looks like before you dive in.

Nicki Sitting on picinic table in front of rv.

About Nicki B.

I’ve always loved learning and teaching. Every day I get the chance to help a neighbor pick up something new, whether it’s understanding how to tow with more confidence, setting up camp a little easier, or just finding the right gear for their next trip. For me, the real joy comes from turning those little “aha” moments into solutions that make life safer, smoother, and more fun.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me outdoors. I love fishing, camping, and hiking the trails with my family and our golden retriever (who insists on carrying the biggest stick he can find). I spent years as a Cubmaster and scout leader, and now I get to put those skills to good use running our team campouts. My favorite part is dreaming up fun games and activities that get everyone laughing.

When I’m not outside, I’m probably curled up with a book or unwinding with some old Top Gear reruns. At the end of the day, I just like finding ways to make things a little easier and more enjoyable, on the road, at camp, or at home.