Camshaft Replacement Cost

What Is a Camshaft?

The camshaft is a critical engine component that controls when and how much the intake and exhaust valves open. Understanding camshaft replacement cost starts with knowing what this precision-machined shaft does—its rotating lobes push against valve lifters to open valves at precisely the right moment, coordinated with piston movement via the timing chain or belt.

Camshafts must be machined to extremely tight tolerances. The height, shape, and surface finish of each lobe determines valve lift, duration, and timing. Any damage to these lobes disrupts engine operation and can cause cascading failures.

SOHC vs DOHC: Impact on Camshaft Replacement Cost

DOHC engines have separate intake and exhaust camshafts, doubling parts count. OHV engines (common in trucks) have the camshaft inside the engine block, requiring significant disassembly.

Why Timing Chain Failure Causes Camshaft Damage

Camshaft replacement is often required after timing chain or belt failure. Here's why:

Interference Engine Scenario

Most modern engines are "interference" designs where valve and piston paths overlap. The timing chain/belt keeps them synchronized:

1. Timing chain stretches or breaks → Valve timing lost
2. Pistons continue moving → No longer synchronized with valves
3. Piston strikes open valve → Valve bends, cam lobe may chip
4. Camshaft experiences shock loading → Lobes can crack or deform
5. Result: Bent valves, damaged pistons, damaged camshaft

Even if valves don't bend, the shock and improper loading during chain failure can damage cam lobes.

The Cascade of Damage

This is why addressing timing chain symptoms early saves thousands in camshaft replacement cost.

Signs of Camshaft Failure

Noise Symptoms

• Ticking or tapping - Consistent rhythm from cylinder head area
• Knocking at specific RPM - Worn lobe causes irregular lifter movement
• Rattling on startup - Hydraulic lifters bleeding down on worn lobe

Performance Symptoms

• Misfire on specific cylinders - Worn lobe reduces valve lift
• Loss of power - Incomplete valve operation
• Poor fuel economy - Inefficient combustion
• Rough idle - Uneven cylinder operation
• Failed emissions test - Improper valve timing affects exhaust

Diagnostic Symptoms

• Check engine light - P0340-P0349 camshaft position codes
• Misfire codes - P0300-P0312
• Low compression on specific cylinders - Valve not sealing properly

Camshaft Replacement Procedure Overview

Understanding the labor explains why camshaft replacement cost is so high:

Access Phase (2-4 hours)

1. Remove engine covers and accessories
2. Remove intake manifold (on many vehicles)
3. Remove valve cover(s)
4. Remove timing cover
5. Mark timing chain/belt position

Removal Phase (1-3 hours)

6. Lock crankshaft and camshaft in position
7. Remove timing chain tensioner
8. Remove camshaft sprocket(s)
9. Remove camshaft bearing caps in sequence
10. Carefully remove camshaft(s)

Inspection Phase (1-2 hours)

11. Inspect cylinder head for damage
12. Check lifters/followers for wear
13. Verify valve condition
14. Clean all mating surfaces
15. Measure new camshaft for defects

Installation Phase (2-4 hours)

16. Lubricate camshaft and journals
17. Install camshaft, torque caps in sequence
18. Install sprocket and timing chain
19. Verify timing marks aligned precisely
20. Install tensioner

Reassembly Phase (2-3 hours)

21. Reinstall timing cover
22. Reinstall valve cover(s)
23. Reinstall intake manifold
24. Reinstall accessories
25. Add fluids, start engine, verify operation

Total: 8-16 hours depending on vehicle complexity.

Related Parts to Replace During Camshaft Work

Since the engine is already apart, replace these components:

A comprehensive timing chain + camshaft repair often totals $3,000-$5,000 but addresses all related wear.

Camshaft Replacement vs Engine Replacement

When does it make sense to replace the engine instead?

Camshaft Replacement Cost by Engine Configuration

Preventing Camshaft Failure

Maintenance Practices

1. Change oil on schedule - Fresh oil maintains cam lobe lubrication
2. Use correct oil viscosity - Too thin = insufficient film strength
3. Replace timing chain on schedule - Prevents catastrophic failure
4. Address oil leaks - Low oil level damages cam first
5. Don't ignore engine noises - Ticking can indicate lifter/cam issues

Warning Signs to Act On

• Timing chain rattle on cold start
• Check engine light with timing codes
• Unexplained oil consumption
• Consistent ticking that changes with RPM
• Any symptoms of stretched timing chain

When Camshaft Replacement Cost Isn't Worth It

Consider these factors:

Not worth replacing:

• Vehicle value below repair cost
• Engine has 200,000+ miles with other wear
• Multiple camshafts damaged on high-end vehicle
• Evidence of overheating or severe neglect

Worth replacing:

• Otherwise healthy engine
• Single camshaft on accessible engine
• Vehicle in good overall condition
• Significantly below engine replacement cost

How to Reduce Camshaft Replacement Cost

1. Get multiple quotes - Labor time varies between shops
2. Independent specialist - Engine shops often charge less than general repair
3. Quality remanufactured camshaft - 30-50% less than new, properly spec'd
4. Bundle timing chain work - Already paying for access
5. Ask about core charges - Return old camshaft for $50-$100 credit
6. Avoid dealership - Independent shops charge 30-40% less for this work
7. Get detailed diagnosis - Confirm camshaft is the actual problem first