Is your camshaft bad and urgently needs a replacement? Are you wondering what camshaft replacement costs so as to get an estimate of what you will be charged at the auto repair shop?
Look no further because you are at the right place. We have analyzed the current price of camshaft this year from numerous mechanics and have provided them in this article.
In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about camshaft replacement, how to pick the best mechanic for your camshaft, is camshaft replacement is something you can do on your own. If so, how is it done? We also give you tips on how to save on a camshaft replacement.
Let’s get started!
How Much that Camshaft Replacement Cost?
Camshaft replacement is a repair that is expensive and costs about $700-$3,000, and this depends on your vehicle. Nevertheless, the regular cost is around $1,250 to $1,500 for most makes and models. In rare cases, camshaft replacement could cost you about $4,000 or more.
Camshaft replacement is expensive because of the amount of work involved. In addition, in most situations, the camshaft can’t be fixed. This means that when it fails, you will have to replace it.
The replacement cost is based on the year, make, and model of your car, the geographic location, and the place you decide to get the job done.
For most cars, the cost of labor will be around $1000 or more for camshaft replacement. Nevertheless, the delivery cost also depends on your vehicle’s specifications.
High-performance vehicles would cost more on labor than a sedan, and the cost would be around $1,500 to $2,000.
The major part of the cost of labor depends on the repairer’s ability to access the vehicle camshaft. Some vehicles have just one while the rest have two camshafts. You can either find it on the side or on top of your engine.
In a situation whereby your mechanic has to take out various parts before he gets to the camshaft, expect a high cost of labor.
Also Read: How Much HP Does a Cam Add? (Everything to Know)
Average Cost to Replace Camshaft
The replacement cost for a camshaft mainly varies based on the model and make of your vehicle. The camshaft parts are less than the cost of labor, and the price is usually between $300-$475.
For instance, the cost of a camshaft replacement for a Honda Civic might be around $1,500 to $2,000, while for a BMW 328i might be around $1,800 to $2,200.
Most people, in order to ensure their camshaft, fits in high compression engines, replace the custom version of the camshaft. However, unlike the standard camshaft, this replacement is more expensive, and the cost is around $600 for just the parts.
Additionally, vehicles with overhead camshafts are usually not as expensive to change as the rest. You can also replace the camshaft in some vehicles for the $800 range for an overhead camshaft.
How to Know if Your Camshaft is Bad
In most cars, camshafts going bad is not a common issue, but all vehicle engines are complicated, and they have many mobile parts, which can have problems at any time.
If there’s a problem with the camshaft, one common indication is the check engine light turning on. Unfortunately, this light can mean a lot of things, and you will have to visit a service center for a proper diagnosis.
If it happens that the camshaft is having an issue, the error code might be for a camshaft position sensor or a cylinder misfire code. Some service providers would require you to pay for the work, while some are free.
It is a great idea to always ask. An average cost to diagnose your vehicle is about $100, which is not too expensive.
Other symptoms and signs to know if your camshaft is failing might include:
- Hesitations or vibrations from your engine
- When the engine runs roughly.
- The engine loses its power, or the vehicle won’t start
- Popping or backfiring sound from the intake or tailpipe.
- Tapping noise coming from the hood
- Timing belt failure
- Dead miss in your engine
If your car displays some symptoms of a failed camshaft, you need to have it checked immediately. Normally, if the camshaft fails, your vehicle will not function well. Sometimes, it will not even function.
If you manage to drive the vehicle for some time, it might lead to engine damage that you can’t repair. It can also result in metallic shavings into the oil channels from the crankshaft and spread through the engine’s internal parts.
Also Read: Rod Bearing Replacement Cost
What Causes Camshaft Failure
Due to the fact that failure of a camshaft is uncommon, things that could contribute to the problem are not many; this might be a design defect or flaw.
For instance, certain European cars have encountered such issues due to the high-pressure fuel pump in their car.
However, improper maintenance of your car, particularly while changing the oil, is another significant factor that contributes to camshaft failure.
You won’t need to replace the camshaft if you keep your car in good condition, don’t drive erratically, and ensure the oil is never low.
How Do Camshaft Solenoids Work?
A solenoid is an electromechanical device that has one axis of motion and may pull and push. For example, modern engines use a camshaft solenoid that continuously modifies the camshaft’s position.
This enables the computer engine to advance (fasten) or return to the ignition timing automatically.
The variable valve solenoid will delay valve timing if you travel at a constant speed on a flat surface. This will reduce power use when it’s unnecessary while boosting effectiveness.
Later, if you begin to ascend a steep hill in this illustration and the engine needs extra power, the VVT system would advance timing. This temporarily reduces efficiency while temporarily providing your engine with the power needed.
How Do I Know if My Camshaft Solenoid Needs to Be Replaced?
There are a few signs you may watch out for if you think the camshaft solenoid isn’t working well but are unsure how to know:
1. Check Engine Light
A failed camshaft solenoid will illuminate the CEL (Check Engine Light), unlike some other engine issues that won’t. The CEL will always be illuminated by a faulty camshaft solenoid.
2. Power Loss
The amount of power your engine has available at any given time is determined by the camshaft solenoid. You won’t get the power you expect from the engine if the camshaft solenoid is broken.
3. Bad Fuel Economy
The fuel economy will be poor due to the engine’s inability to allocate its valve timing appropriately for a specific circumstance.
4. Rough Idle
A particular camshaft profile performs exceptionally well at low engine RPMs, yet a completely different camshaft profile performs admirably at high engine RPMs. Therefore, a malfunctioning camshaft solenoid makes operating at low RPM challenging and causes an extremely harsh idle.
If the camshaft solenoid is malfunctioning, your automobile may perform badly at low RPMs and have the poor fuel economy. In addition, a failed camshaft solenoid could make it difficult to climb slopes and almost impossible to accelerate swiftly. As a result, your automobile will have a rough idle and low fuel economy due to a bad camshaft solenoid.
The cost of the part alone, if you decide to have a shop fix the camshaft solenoid, can range from $50 to $100. Following that, you have to pay the shop so that they can replace the camshaft solenoid, which costs about $150 & $300 that’s if you work with a reputable company.
You can save yourself some money on labor and roughly $50 on the part if you can complete the task yourself or if you can hire someone skilled in doing so.
Cost of Other Related Repairs
If you’re lucky, your car might have some problems, but it’s possible that the camshaft itself isn’t the issue. Several issues exhibit symptoms corresponding to a broken camshaft yet are not too expensive to treat.
For instance, a frequent problem occurs with the electrical parts of the camshaft. One of the parts susceptible to wear and failure is the camshaft position sensor.
Based on the car and the shop you use, replacing the position of the camshaft sensor might cost anywhere from $170 to $450.
Replacing the Balance Shaft Drive Belt
Let’s look at a few of the additional fixes frequently needed when a camshaft is replaced.
This may need changing the belts for the air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, and/or alternator. The balance shaft belt encircles both the balance shaft and the crankshaft.
Similar to the camshaft replacement, the majority of the expense of this amendment is majorly between $350 & $450, which goes toward labor.
Replacing the Camshaft Seal
A typical camshaft seal replacement runs about $375 & $490. Where your camshaft leaves the cylinder head, these seals function to stop dust and oil from going through.
The camshaft seal has gone bad if you notice oil leaking from it.
After more than a few minutes of stationary motion, if the leak is considerable, you can notice an oil pool underneath your car. Loss of oil from your car, which could result in damage, is the biggest issue with a seal leak.
Replacing the Engine Oil Cooler
The oil cooler functions and resembles a miniature radiator. The cooler increases the engine oil’s efficiency by bringing down its temperature.
Oil maintains the proper consistency when kept at the optimum temperature.
Engine oil cooler replacement mostly costs around $525 and $585.
Changing gaskets and seals can help avoid this pricey repair because leaks typically cause engine oil cooler failure.
However, one frequent reason for damage to this part is a collision.
Replacing the Timing Belt
Timing belt replacement is a pricey repair that can range from $550 to $750.
The crankshaft and camshaft are connected by a timing belt, ensuring they turn at the right moment for a smooth engine running.
Given that timing belt replacement involves a significant amount of labor, now is the best time to have all the neighboring components replaced.
Depending on the requirements set forth by the manufacturer of your vehicle, replacing the timing belt should typically be between 60,000 and 100,000 miles as part of your routine maintenance plan.
Timing belt failure could result in serious engine damage if it occurs before a replacement is possible.
Replacing the Timing Chain Tensioner
Your timing chain tensioner may need to be replaced if your engine makes a slapping noise and your CEL is on. Depending on the car, this repair often ranges from $800 to $1,000.
When the tensioner wears down, the timing chain may become too slack and interfere with the operation of the engine.
In this situation, it might be a problem related to the timing chain tensioner because often, the tapping or slapping sound only happens when you first start your car.
Replacing the Valve Cover Gasket
The valve cover gasket prevents oil from leaking out and is located on top of the engine’s cylinder head. A valve cover gasket may occasionally also include a spark plug tube gasket, allowing for the simultaneous replacement of all the parts.
You can notice oil leakage under your car or detect a burning odor while driving due to a bad valve cover gasket.
The normal price range for the valve cover gasket replacement is $200- $275.
Each car has a different cost for replacing the camshaft solenoid. When the exhaust and intake valves close and open in vehicles that allow variable valve timing (VVT), the camshaft solenoid moves the camshaft. Fuel efficiency and performance are enhanced when VVT is active.
Before Variable valve timing, gearheads would actually swap out their regular camshafts to modify their engines, to be more suitable for racing.
For a qualified mechanic to replace the camshaft solenoid in your vehicle, the cost of the item should be in the range of $50 & $100. Between $150 and $300 will be charged for the labor to install a camshaft solenoid. But you can save a lot of money if you can handle it on your own or if you hire a novice technician to do it.
The VVT Solenoid is made to instantly change the timing of the exhaust and intake valves on an engine. Depending on the engine load and speed, the engine computer automatically chooses the angle at which the VVT solenoid operates.
Tips on Replacing Camshaft
Check out this video for tips on replacing the camshaft
Frequently Asked Questions – Camshaft Replacement Cost
Is it worth replacing a camshaft?
It’s not always a good idea to repair a camshaft because of the manufacturing procedures. Although some high-performance engines include repairable camshafts, doing so is neither practicable nor cost-effective for the normal automobile on the road. Instead, buying a new camshaft is the best option if your car requires a replacement.
How much does it cost to replace the camshaft?
An average cost to replace a camshaft ranges from $1,376 to $1,606. The cost of labor is anticipated to be around $879 & $1,109, while the cost of the parts is $498. Taxes and other costs are not included in this range, nor are your particular vehicle or geographic area taken into account.
Can you drive with a damaged camshaft?
Is it safe to drive when your camshaft sensor is malfunctioning? The answer to this is Yes. Your engine’s performance won’t be as effective, and fuel usage might increase. Nevertheless, some techniques examine and identify the issue if your camshaft sensor is giving you any difficulties.
What happens if you don’t replace the camshaft?
Unstable driving. The defective camshaft sensor starts to lose its capacity for rapid data transfer. As a result, your car will stall, splutter, accelerate slowly, lack power, or even stop the fuel delivery, and ignition timing isn’t quite synchronized.
How long does it take to fix a camshaft?
The camshaft sensor replacement normally takes one to two hours. Nevertheless, this could change based on the brand and model of your car.
What causes the camshaft to go bad?
Inadequate lubrication, mechanical interference, hardware not torqued to specifications/ subpar hardware, improper break-in, and reusing worn/old components are the most common causes of failure. Use the moly paste provided with the flat camshaft tappet set at all times.
Can a broken camshaft be repaired?
Remanufacturing. The camshaft needs to be remanufactured after the rebuilder has established that it can be done safely. The rebuilder may remanufacture a camshaft using two main techniques: regrinding and welding.
Conclusion – Camshaft Replacement Cost?
Camshaft replacement is a repair that is expensive and costs about $700-$3,000, and this depends on your vehicle. Nevertheless, the regular cost is around $1,250 to $1,500 for most makes and models. In rare cases, camshaft replacement could cost you about $4,000 or more.
We hope this post was of help to you. Please feel free to check out our other blog articles if you want to get more tips for fixing and preventing car troubles!