Like most car parts, the camshaft can wear out over time.
And any damage to the camshaft demands prompt replacement.
Why?
It plays a crucial role in engine function, controlling the flow of air and fuel into and out of the combustion chambers.
Wondering what a camshaft replacement costs?
We’ll give you the lowdown on the expenses and some signs that indicate it’s time for a trip to the car repair shop. Plus, we’ll reveal if you can DIY the replacement and what causes the camshaft to wear out sooner.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Camshaft Replacement Cost?
- Can a Camshaft Be Repaired?
- Is It Worth Replacing a Failing Camshaft?
- 7 Common Signs You Need a Camshaft Replacement
- How Long Does a Camshaft Last?
- How to Replace a Bad Camshaft
How Much Does a Camshaft Replacement Cost?
Here’s what you may have to pay for a new camshaft:
A. Range
The price of camshaft replacement ranges between $1,500 to $1,800.
This includes:
- Cost of parts: $550 to $700
- Labor costs: $900 to $1100
B. Factors Affecting Total Cost
Labor charges, along with your car’s make and model, can significantly impact replacement costs.
But that’s not all.
Additional factors that may affect your total bill include:
- Engine model: The total cost can vary based on the engine type and number of camshafts. A V8 engine (engine with eight cylinders) typically has two or four camshafts, making it more complex and costly to repair than a simple four-cylinder engine.
NOTE: Replacing multiple camshafts at once can save you labor costs as the engine is already disassembled. - Type of camshaft: Modern cars usually use solid roller or hydraulic roller camshafts. Solid rollers typically cost more than hydraulic rollers as they’re built for high-performance engines and higher RPMs.
- Material of camshaft: Camshaft prices vary by the material used, like hardenable iron, chilled chrome cast iron, carbon steel, and nitriding steel. Cast iron tends to be cheaper than steel and is used in most mass-produced vehicles. Nitriding steel, however, is considered one of the best options due to its hard surface finish and lightweight body.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vs. aftermarket parts: OEM camshafts will cost more than aftermarket camshafts. However, you can also use a remanufactured camshaft, which is typically cheaper than buying a new one.
- Warranty: If your car is covered under a powertrain warranty, you don’t have to pay for the replacement. Otherwise, you’ll have to shell out money to replace the camshaft.
- Other related repairs: A failing camshaft can affect other parts, like cylinder blocks, pistons, and exhaust valves. Additionally, your mechanic may recommend replacing the timing belt, timing gears, tensioners, valve cover gasket, and camshaft seals, as they often wear out together. This can increase your overall cost. For example, a new timing belt can add another $100 to $350 to your bill.
Can a Camshaft Be Repaired?
Yes, in some cases, camshaft damage can be repaired.
Gradual flattening or rounding of camshaft lobes can be fixed through re-grinding or reshaping, while welding can fix mildly damaged areas. However, if there’s severe camshaft damage, such as breakage or warping, replacement is your only option.
Is It Worth Replacing the Camshaft?
Yes, absolutely!
Delaying camshaft replacement can spell trouble for your car’s engine. For instance, a failing camshaft can throw off engine timing, causing exhaust valves and pistons to collide (particularly in interference engines). This misalignment can bend or break both the valves and pistons, leading to costly repairs.
7 Common Signs You Need a Camshaft Replacement
Take your vehicle to a mechanic when:
- The check engine light illuminates because the camshaft position sensor detects irregularities in the camshaft’s timing.
- The car fails to start due to insufficient air and fuel in the cylinders.
- You hear loud knocking or ticking sounds from the engine, similar to metal striking metal.
- The engine performance declines, with sluggish acceleration and poor idling.
- The engine misfires, causing noticeable shaking.
- Tiny metal particles appear in the engine oil, potentially damaging cylinder walls, camshaft bearings, and crankshaft.
- The fuel efficiency drops noticeably.
How Long Does a Camshaft Last?
Ideally, camshafts should last the engine’s lifespan, around 180,000 and 250,000 miles.
However, they can wear out sooner due to the following factors:
- Frequent engine use increases camshaft wear.
- High-performance engines put more stress on the camshaft, accelerating the damage.
- Harsh or dirty operating environments can wear out the camshaft faster.
- Incorrect installation can lead to premature camshaft damage.
How to Replace a Bad Camshaft
Replacing a camshaft requires a deep understanding of every engine component and its functionality. Hence, it’s wise to leave this complex job to a trained professional.
Here’s how an auto mechanic will go about it:
- Refer to your vehicle’s manual, as the camshaft location can vary based on specific car make and model. In some cases, they may need to remove the entire engine.
- Access the camshaft by removing the timing cover and disconnecting each component, including the battery, radiator, and intake manifold.
- Remove the valve covers to access rockers, pushrods, and lifters.
- Rotate the camshaft to mark the Top Dead Center (TDC) — a V-shaped timing mark at the top, for accurate reassembly.
- Carefully remove the old camshaft.
- Wash the new camshaft in solvent and wait for it to dry before installation.
- Lubricate the camshaft bearings and lobes with some oil or conditioner.
- Set the timing chain with timing marks at the Top Dead Center (TDC).
- Put the lower portion of the timing cover over the oil pan, applying silicone as needed.
- Lubricate and install new lifters, ensuring each lifter moves freely.
- Reassemble the remaining components, including the battery, radiator, and intake manifold, and reconnect the wiring.
- Test the timing of the camshaft and adjust if needed with a timing gun.
- Recalibrate the camshaft position sensor to ensure it accurately detects the camshaft’s position with the new or adjusted camshaft.
- Start the car to check for proper engine function.
Camshaft Replacement Made Easy with AutoNation Mobile Service
A failing camshaft can lead to poor engine performance, frequent stalling, or complete breakdowns. When the engine isn’t running right, your day can quickly go off-track, making it difficult to get where you need to go.
Sounds bad, right?
If you notice your engine acting up, call AutoNation Mobile Service.
We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance solution available seven days a week. Our expert mechanics can diagnose and fix faulty car parts right from your driveway.
Simply make an appointment online for camshaft replacement or other auto repair services.