A Camshaft is one of the essential movable parts of an internal combustion engine. It can be described as a rotating device that converts rotational motion into linear motion, or up-and-down, side-to-side motion in combustion engines like cars. It’s practically impossible for a car engine to run without a Camshaft. And if the camshaft is damaged the car would not be able to run perfectly. Camshafts are made with quality materials that don’t usually break, but if they do, they can be a little costly to replace. We will discuss Camshaft : Life Of A Vehicle.
The cost of replacing a Camshaft ranges from $700 to $3,000 depending on the type of camshaft being replaced, and the model of the vehicle. Generally, the average cost of repairing a Camshaft for most vehicle models ranges from $1,250 to $1,500. The cost of a Camshaft alone is between $50 to $200, while the cost of labor will vary depending on the hourly rate agreed. The average labor cost for camshaft repairs is usually between $70 to $100 for a professional mechanic.
What is the Cost of Replacing a Camshaft?
Camshafts are usually difficult to repair and require a replacement in case of failure. However, the cost of replacing a camshaft is high mostly due to the amount of labor involved. The price of the parts needed for the replacement usually depends on the make, model, and year of the vehicle. It could cost between $300 and $475 to purchase the parts needed for the replacement. However, the labor cost for camshaft replacement is usually high and can be well over $1,000 depending on the type of vehicle, specification, and geographical location. The labor cost for a standard sedan ranges from $1,500 to $2,000, while for high-performance cars the labor cost can be quite expensive.
| Labor Cost | Amount |
| Minimum Cost | $700 |
| Average Cost | $1,375 |
| Maximum Cost | $4,000 |
The labor cost for replacing a camshaft is usually high due to the difficulty in accessing the camshaft. If the mechanic needs to remove multiple components just to access the camshaft, then it’s expected that the labor cost for the replacement would be high. The location of the camshaft in most vehicles is usually on top of the engine, or the side of the engine. A car may have a single or double camshaft depending on the model and type.
How Do I Know When My Camshaft is Bad?
Camshaft just like other moving parts of a combustion engine is prone to damage and failure. Although it’s not a frequent concern for newer vehicles, however, a camshaft issue can still occur from time to time. One of the common indications of a bad camshaft is the illuminated “check engine” light in your vehicle. This light indicates that there’s a problem with the engine, hence you’ll need to take your vehicle to a local service station and run a diagnostic.
Other signals that indicate a camshaft failure and ruin life of a vehicle
- Misfire code
- Camshaft position sensor code
- Vibrations or delays from the engine
- Backfiring or popping from the intake or tailpipe
- Timing belt failure
- Tapping noise from the engine
- A dead miss in the engine
- Engine power loss
These symptoms only indicate an issue in the engine and are not specific to the camshaft. Hence, to properly access your camshaft issues, you’ll need to take it to a professional mechanic.
How Long Does it Take to A Camshaft?
Camshaft replacement can take up to 3 hours if handled by an experienced mechanic. However, this time frame may vary depending on the vehicle model. So it could take longer or shorter than 3 hours depending on the type of vehicle. If you wish to replace the camshaft yourself, then you should plan to spend the whole day getting the work done right. If the number of components that needs to be removed to access the camshaft is many, then you can expect to spend more hours camshaft than you imagined. It takes quite a while to remove other components in other to access the camshaft, however that feat is easily achievable by professional mechanics.
What are the Effects of a Bad Camshaft?
A bad camshaft can result in a misfire or a total engine failure. In some cases, you may notice rough idling or the vehicle’s acceleration will be greatly reduced. Overheating and backfiring are also bound to occur when your camshaft is bad. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, then you should take your vehicle to a professional mechanic to get your camshaft replaced.
Conclusion
Purchasing a camshaft alone can cost you between $300 to $400, while the cost of the labor involved can be as high as $1,500 to $2,000. If your camshaft requires a repair or replacement, then it is better to let a professional mechanic handle it, than to do it yourself. The repair or replacement will take just about 3 hours to be completed depending on the type of vehicle. We discussed Camshaft : Life Of A Vehicle.
FAQs
Can a damaged Camshaft be repaired?
Yes. However, repairing a camshaft is not advisable. It’s better to carry out a camshaft replacement than a repair.
Is it worth it to replace camshafts?
Camshaft repairs are usually very difficult, most times even impossible. Hence, if you wish to get your vehicle back on the road, it’s better to opt for a replacement.
What makes a Camshaft go bad?
Several phenomena can cause failure in the camshaft, this includes; improper break-in, insufficient lubrication, reusing old and worn-out components, inferior hardware, etc.
