How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Camshaft?

Everything has a life cycle, not to mention the engine, which is the heart of the car. The damage to the engine system often starts with one part. Camshaft, as a vital part of engine operation, what do we need to do if it is damaged? How much will be incurred in the process?

This article will tell you almost everything that you concerned about replacing a camshaft.

What do people usually do when the camshaft is damaged?

As mentioned in our previous article(What is a Camshaft and What does it do?), the camshaft plays an important role in improving engine performance. As the camshaft is driven by the crankshaft to rotate, the camshaft lobe is also constantly pushing the intake valve, exhaust valve to open and close, assist the fuel in the cylinder full combustion work to drive the car. However, due to long-term efficient operation, the camshaft, especially the lobe on the camshaft, is easy to be worn. Once the lobe is worn, the efficiency will be significantly reduced. Other parts of the camshaft can also suffer varying degrees of damage.

Faced with such a situation, people usually have two options: repair the broken part or replace it altogether!

How much will it cost to repair the camshaft?

Generally, replacing or repairing a camshaft is a complex and time-consuming process that can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. In addition, if the camshaft failure has already affected other parts of the engine, resulting in the failure of other associated parts, the overall maintenance cost can increase significantly.

The following is the possible cost of camshaft damage for reference only.

• Camshaft repair: The camshaft itself generally costs from around $100 to over $1000 depending on the vehicle. At the same time, installation is also a very critical job. The labor cost of fixing a camshaft can range from $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the job and the mechanic's hourly rate.
• Engine model: The cost of repairing the camshaft will also vary depending on the engine type. We all know that there are many types of cars, and the same goes for engines, like four-cylinder engines, six-cylinder engines. Different brands use different engines, the same brand of different grades of car engines may also be different. For example, V8 engines can be more expensive to repair than 4-cylinder engines due to their complexity.
• Residential area difference: The cost of camshaft repair labor may vary from region to region, as hourly rates for mechanics and shops may vary. The following are estimated labor costs for repairing camshafts in different regions of the United States:

Labor Cost of Repairing Camshafts in Different Regions of the United States

It is important to note that the above statements and data are for reference only, it is best to get a detailed estimate from a certified mechanic or dealer to obtain an accurate cost for your specific situation.

Composition of maintenance costs: Total Price = Camshaft Costs + Labor Cost Maintenance and Installation Costs

The main factors affecting the maintenance cost of camshaft：

It is difficult to put an exact price on the cost of repairing a camshaft because it depends on many factors. Following are the common factors:

• Quality of materials: The quality of materials used to make camshafts affects their durability and longevity. High-quality materials may cost more, but reduce maintenance costs in the long run.
• Frequency of use: The more times the engine is used, the greater the wear and tear of the camshaft. Heavily used engines will require more frequent maintenance, including camshaft inspection and replacement.
• Engine design: The design of an engine can affect camshaft wear. Engines with higher power output or more aggressive valve timing may put more pressure on the camshaft, increasing maintenance costs.
• Maintenance Schedule: Regular maintenance can help identify potential camshaft problems before they become more serious and costly to repair. Sticking to the regular maintenance schedule helps reduce long-term maintenance costs.
• Environmental conditions: The engine operating environment will affect the life of the camshaft. Engines operating in harsh or dirty environments may experience greater wear and tear and require more frequent maintenance.
• Quality of installation: The proper installation of the camshaft is critical to its long term performance and reliability. Improper installation or alignment can lead to premature wear and higher maintenance costs.

Camshaft repairing pricing for common vehicles (just a reference):

How much it will cost to replace the camshaft?

In many cases, the maintenance may not meet our actual needs, at which point we need to consider replacing the camshaft

Camshaft replacing pricing for common vehicles (just a reference):

Can you replace it by yourself?

Of course, if you are familiar with the engine system and its components, and ensure that you can fully and accurately install the removed parts after removal, perhaps you can try to install and replace the camshaft yourself, which will save you a lot of manual installation costs. On the contrary, if you are not familiar with the components of the engine, and can not independently complete the disassembly and installation of the work. Please contact a professional auto repair shop to find a professional technician to help you install. This is very important, although you may have to spend a small amount of labor, but it will ensure that the new parts are properly installed in your car, which will help the engine to run properly and efficiently.

What should you pay attention to when replacing camshaft?

When replacing a camshaft, there are several key factors that must be taken care of to ensure that the repair is done correctly and safely. Here are some points:

• Choose the right camshaft: Make sure you choose the right camshaft for your specific model and vehicle type. Camshafts come in different sizes, shapes, and lift, so it's important to choose one that matches your engine specifications. You can confirm the product you need by providing the frame number, engine model, year and model of the car, etc.
• Inspect new camshaft: Before installing a new camshaft, carefully and thoroughly inspect it for signs of damage or wear. The new camshaft should not be installed if it has any defects. At this time, you can contact the store to return or exchange the goods.
• Proper installation: Proper camshaft alignment is critical to engine performance and longevity. Make sure the new camshaft is properly aligned and installed in the correct position.
• Follow torque specifications: When installing a new camshaft, be sure to follow the manufacturer's torque specifications. Overtightening or loosening camshaft bolts can cause engine damage.
• Lubrication: Proper lubrication of the camshaft and other engine associated components during installation is essential to extend camshaft life and maximize engine performance.
• Follow run-in procedures: After installing a new camshaft, the manufacturer's recommended run-in procedures must be followed to properly install the new camshaft and other engine parts.

In general, camshaft replacement is a difficult technical task that requires a high level of mechanical expertise and attention to detail. It's best to leave the job to a qualified mechanic or dealer who has the necessary experience and tools to do it properly and safely without being sure.

From the perspective of cost-effective, which is better, repairing camshaft or replacing it?

The decision to repair or replace a camshaft depends on several factors, including the extent of the damage, the age and mileage of the vehicle, and the cost of replacing parts and labor.

• Degree of damage: If the camshaft is less damaged, such as convex lobe wear or damage, it can be repaired by re-grinding the convex lobe or welding reshaping. However, if the damage is severe, such as a broken camshaft, it is likely to need replacement.
• Age and mileage of the engine: If the engine is relatively new or short in mileage, repairing the camshaft may be a better choice. In this case, the difficulty of camshaft maintenance is small, the budget will not be too big. However, if the engine is old or has a long range, there may be other parts that are worn out or damaged, which can lead to additional repairs and expense, and it may be more appropriate to opt for a replacement.
• Parts and labor costs: Parts and labor costs vary widely depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the extent of the damage, and the hourly wage of the repairman. In general, it may be more cost effective to repair a camshaft if the cost of repairing it is less than 50% of the cost of replacing the engine. However, engine replacement may be more cost effective if maintenance costs exceed 50 per cent of the cost of engine replacement.
• Future reliability: If the engine is always breaking down, or if many components break down frequently, it may be more cost effective to replace the engine than to repair the camshaft. This can prevent additional maintenance and subsequent new problems that may arise, effectively controlling the budget.

If the camshaft damage is minor and the labor cost of maintenance is relatively high, we suggest that you replace the quality of the secondary products instead of the original products. This will reduce the cost of maintenance and improve the performance of the car to some extent. Of course, if the damage is serious, it is recommended to replace the camshaft and related components. The decision to repair or replace a camshaft is affected by a variety of factors and it is advisable to consult a qualified mechanic or dealer and make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.

Why is it necessary to repair or replace the camshaft? Can we just leave it alone?

As we all know the camshaft plays an important role in the engine system. If damaged, it will affect the whole engine and even the operation of the car. Can we just leave it alone? Of course not, we can’t leave it alone. Even a temporary performance degradation must be taken seriously. A thousand miles dike broke in an ant nest. Neglect of small problems may turn into major disasters in the future. To ensure the normal operation of the engine, whether maintenance or replacement, is a reasonable choice. Choosing repair or replacement must be based on the actual situation, such as the budget, parts damage, labor costs, car brand, and so on.

Conclusion

After reading this article, I believe you must have a deeper understanding of camshaft maintenance and replacement. In order to keep the car running properly, both repair and replacement are good options. Generally, when the parts are not seriously damaged, it is more appropriate to maintain the camshaft in theory. However, due to the high labor cost in practice, we suggest replacing the new aftermarket camshaft with good quality, which can save the cost to some extent and ensure the normal operation of the engine. Daysyore is an auto parts online store that mainly supplies premium aftermarket auto parts , as well as some original products. You can subscribe and browse the store, and maybe you can find the parts you need.

If you want to know more about camshafts and crankshafts, Please read this article.

Camshaft VS Crankshaft: What are the differences between them?