In other words, we can also say that it is an essential part of an internal combustion engine. If the camshaft is damaged, its consequences may range from simple engine misfiring to total engine failure or seizure.
How to check if your camshaft is damaged?
First, the engine is a very complex machine. In case of any problem, the first option to diagnose any problem is to get your car checked in a workshop. During the check-up, if there’s any problem, you will have different engine trouble codes. Through these codes, you can get some idea about the problems in the engine.
Though it is quite an expensive method to go for, you can also go to the mechanic if the engine checks light blinks on your dashboard.
If any of the sensor components indicate a misfire, probably there’s going to be a problem with the camshaft. At this point, you will have to get help from a professional technician to diagnose the problem efficiently and correctly.
Another indigenous method of guessing whether something is wrong with your engine is by simply listening to the sound of the engine at idle. If you notice any ticking, knocking, or any other mechanical noise, then probably something is wrong.
Even the dashboard may be lit up with multiple warning lights related to the engine. It may also happen that some features, for example, AEB (Auto emergency braking) or ADAS may also not work.
Symptoms of a bad camshaft
Apart from some reasons listed above, multiple indications indicate that your camshaft is damaged. Like,
Engine misfiring or rough idling of the engineLower power output on accelerationTrouble during startup, especially during cold startOverheating of the engine under loadTicking and knocking noises from the engine when runningMultiple engine warning lights on the dashboard
The actual cost of replacing a camshaft
The exact cost of replacing a camshaft cannot be determined as it will vary from vehicle to vehicle, depending on their make and model, and the type of the camshaft being used in them.
In general, the average camshaft repairs can cost you around $2000 to $3000, in which the cost of the actual camshaft would range from $300 to $1000. The rest of the charge is labor cost, as it is a very intensive job to replace a camshaft.
Another thing which affects the cost is the type of engine. If it is a V8 engine, then it is probably going to have more parts and more parts means more labor charges as compared to a four-cylinder engine.
Other factors include the make and model of the car. Some cars are built very specifically and their parts need to be replaced with the proprietary OEM parts only, which can be expensive. In these cases, aftermarket parts cannot be used due to improper fitment or low performance, though they are cheaper.
Different types of camshafts
The cost of the camshaft replacement also depends on the type of camshaft your engine has. Like there are three main types of camshafts:
Solid Camshaft
It is the most common and oldest type of camshaft being in use for years. It is made from a single piece of metal. They are very inexpensive and also have the shortest lifespan.
Hydraulic Camshaft
These camshafts use oil to move through the valve train and adjust the valves. They have a greater lifespan than solid cams.
Rolling lobe cam
These are the newest generation camshafts, which have small rollers for adjusting the valve train. They are very durable and have the longest lifespan. Due to their high quality and durability, they are considered very reliable and are also expensive.
Is it necessary to replace your camshaft?
In general, most of the cars with overhead camshafts will need to replace your camshaft between 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Although not necessary, some cars run without any problems beyond this range as well. This includes some general factors like the driving conditions (city driving or highway driving), regular car maintenance, and using the car solely for what it is made for.
If you are a performance car owner and are into various driving stunts like drifting, drag racing, or doing burnouts, then probably it will reduce the life of the camshaft quite fast.
Camshafts are an important part of an engine and should be replaced when there is any sign of wear, especially on the engine cylinders. Generally, the mark is around 80,000 miles to 100,000 miles.
Conclusion
The camshaft being a very important part of an engine needs to be replaced as and when needed. Usually, the time for the replacement of a camshaft is after 80,000 miles in normal conditions. In other cases, it should be replaced as you start discovering its symptoms.
The cost of the camshaft replacement differs with engine make and model. A higher capacity engine will cost higher than a normal one.
