Why camshaft replacement is expensive
The price of the camshaft is also a reflection of the precision of its manufacture, as it’s produced from hardened steel or cast iron. The labour is the real cost, however. Accessing the camshaft will require the removal of the timing cover, timing belt or timing chain and associated parts, the valve cover and possibly ancillary parts such as alternator, air conditioning compressor or intake manifold, depending on the engine configuration. If the engine is a double overhead cam, it becomes even more complex: Both cams need to be timed to each other and the crankshaft.
Typical price ranges
The replacement of a common 4-cylinder camshaft will run $80-$300 depending on which engine. More complex engines can have over five hundred of these camshafts. Labour costs vary from 300 to more than 1000, depending on the design of the engine and the labour rate charged by the shop. Both the total bill, including all gaskets, seals, timing parts, and even any followers or lifters that are in need, often range anywhere from 600 to 2,000 pounds.
Sourcing options
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) camshafts are the most expensive but ensure a perfect fit and ensure the correct metallurgy. The aftermarket camshafts from good engine component brands can be of similar quality and are also cheaper. Older camshafts dismantlers are the least expensive, but before installing an older camshaft, make sure the lobes are not worn and that the journals are not scored. A browse at parthunt24.com can give you quick comparisons across these categories, so you can pick and choose between genuine options, after-market options, and used options, and make the right choice to suit your budget and needs.
Should you replace or regrind
A worn camshaft may, at times, be regrounded to recondition the lobe profile, just as a crankshaft may be reground. But that will only work as long as there isn’t too much use and the layer of hardened metal hasn’t been ground through. Regrinding is cheaper than a new camshaft, but won’t be the same as the original camshaft, possibly causing or changing engine performance. Most drivers won’t notice any difference.
Replacing associated components
Check and replace followers, lifters and rocker arms (if present) while the camshaft is out. Worn followers will get worn out with a new camshaft. Change them all at the same time to prevent a labor intensive task in the few years to come. The first thing the engine should see after reassembly is fresh oil and a new oil filter.
Avoiding unnecessary replacement
Not all camshaft noises indicate the need for a new camshaft. A faulty variable valve timing solenoid, stuck hydraulic lifters and worn followers are all possible causes of the same symptoms and much easier to repair. Expensive mistakes can be avoided by having a thorough diagnosis before ordering parts.
Conclusion
Replacing the camshaft is a major, but not too complicated repair. You will save money, buy the right parts and get your engine back up and running when you replace all the applicable wear parts simultaneously.
