Is replacing a camshaft a big job?

Yes. Replacing a camshaft is generally a big job that requires substantial labor, the right tools, and careful timing alignment.

Beyond the short answer, this article explains what makes the repair complex, how long it typically takes, what it costs, and how to decide whether to tackle it yourself or hire a professional.

Scope and complexity

The following factors determine how extensive the replacement will be and how challenging the job is to perform.

• Engine design and cam location: overhead cam (OHC/DOHC) engines place the camshaft inside the cylinder head, often making access more involved than overhead valves (OHV) with pushrods.


• Timing system access: removing or loosening the timing belt/chain, guides, tensioners, sprockets, and any cam phasers or variable valve timing components.


• Valve train disassembly: depending on design, you may need to remove the cylinder head, rocker arms, lifters, and pushrods to reach and properly install the camshaft.


• Head gasket and head work: in some designs, camshaft replacement necessitates inspecting or replacing the head gasket, valve seals, or even resurfacing the cylinder head.


• Sealing and tolerances: cam seals, oil galleys, and precise timing alignment must be maintained to avoid oil leaks and engine damage.


• Electronics and sensors: modern engines with variable valve timing and cam position sensors may require software relearn or calibration after installation.

In short, more components, tighter tolerances, and potential head work all contribute to the job’s overall scope and risk.

Time, cost, and what you get

Here are rough numbers to help you budget for a camshaft replacement on a typical modern car engine. Actual figures vary by vehicle, region, and the exact parts used.

• Labor: DIY can save on shop rates but carries higher risk; professional shop time typically ranges from about 6 to 20 hours depending on engine design and whether head work is required.


• Labor rates: typical shop rates fall in the ballpark of $100 to $150 per hour, but this can be higher in some regions or for specialty vehicles.


• Parts and components: camshaft price varies widely—roughly $100 to $600 for the cam alone, with additional costs for timing components (belt/chain, guides, tensioners), seals, gaskets, and any required head hardware.


• Additional costs: head gasket replacement if the head is removed, machine shop work on the cylinder head if needed, coolant, oil, filters, and potential software updates or relearns for engines with electronic timing.

These factors combine to create a broad price range. A simple camshaft replacement on a straightforward engine might cost a few hundred dollars in parts plus labor, while a complex job on a high-tech engine with head work and timing calibration can easily run into the low thousands.

DIY vs professional considerations

For many DIY enthusiasts, the decision hinges on tooling, experience, and risk. Consider the following before starting a camshaft job:

• Tooling availability: you’ll need proper torque tools, timing alignment tools, a cam locking kit, seal installers, and possibly a head gasket set or resurfacing equipment.


• Experience and risk: incorrect timing or improper assembly can cause severe engine damage, including bent valves or P0740-type timing faults that require extensive repairs.


• Warranty and reliability: many modern engines rely on precise timing and calibration; professionals can ensure proper relearns and reduce the risk of future issues.

Bottom line: for most drivers, especially with newer or high-performance engines, hiring a professional is the safer, more reliable option despite higher upfront costs.

Warning signs and diagnostics

Before committing to replacement, look for symptoms that could indicate camshaft wear or timing issues, which may have other causes as well:

• Loss of power, misfires, or rough idle, particularly on startup or at high RPMs


• Unusual top-end noises such as ticking, tapping, or rattle from the engine


• Check Engine Light illuminated with codes related to cam timing or cam position sensors


• Low or irregular oil pressure, oil leaks around the timing cover, or excessive oil consumption


• Engine won’t start or runs very poorly due to timing being off

Note: these symptoms can also be caused by timing chain tensioners, guides, lifters, or faulty sensors. A professional diagnostic is essential to confirm the cause before a camshaft replacement.

Summary

Replacing a camshaft is a substantial repair that varies widely in scope and cost depending on engine design, the need for head work, and timing calibration requirements. While experienced DIYers with the right tools can tackle many variants, most car owners find it prudent to have the job done by a qualified shop to ensure proper timing, sealing, and long-term reliability. Plan carefully, obtain accurate part recommendations, and request a detailed estimate that itemizes labor, parts, and any ancillary work.

How long does it take to replace a camshaft?

Replacing a camshaft can take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours for a standard vehicle, but the job can extend to 20 or more hours for complex cases or if the engine needs to be removed. The time varies significantly based on the vehicle's make and model, the complexity of the engine, and whether additional parts need replacement. 
Factors that affect the time:

• Complexity of the engine: Modern or high-performance engines may take longer to disassemble and reassemble. 
• Engine accessibility: In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the engine entirely, which significantly increases the job's duration. 
• Accompanying repairs: The time can increase if other parts, like the timing chain, sprockets, or bearings, also need to be replaced. 
• Experience level: A mechanic's familiarity with the specific vehicle and the repair process will impact the total time. 
• Unforeseen issues: Problems like broken bolts or worn-out bearings that are discovered during the repair can add considerable time to the job. 

Is it worth it to replace a camshaft?

Yes, replacing a camshaft is worth it if it is damaged or excessively worn, as this will restore engine performance, improve efficiency, and prevent more extensive engine damage. A damaged camshaft can cause symptoms like misfires, poor acceleration, and increased emissions, and ignoring it can lead to a catastrophic engine failure. The decision to replace depends on the severity of the wear and the cost versus the car's overall value and your plans for it. 
When it is worth replacing

• Signs of wear: The most common reason to replace a camshaft is physical wear on the lobes, which can be seen as a sharp edge or "dished" appearance. This is often accompanied by engine problems. 
• Preventing engine damage: A worn camshaft can cause cascading damage to other components like lifters and bearings. Replacing it is a preventative measure to avoid a more costly repair down the line. 
• Performance issues: If you're experiencing a noticeable loss of power, poor acceleration, or rough idling, a worn camshaft is a likely culprit. 
• Improved fuel efficiency: A new camshaft can help restore your engine's efficiency, which can be a significant financial advantage over time. 
• Enhanced engine longevity: A properly functioning camshaft is crucial for long-term engine health. Replacing a worn one can extend the life of your engine. 

When it may not be worth it

• Minor wear: If the cam and its components show only minor wear, it may not be necessary to replace the camshaft, especially if you're focused on keeping costs low. 
• Cost-prohibitive: If the vehicle is old and has a low resale value, the high cost of a camshaft replacement may not be a worthwhile investment for the car's worth. A cost-benefit analysis should be performed. 
• Timing belt vs. camshaft: Some people confuse a camshaft with a timing belt, which does have a regular replacement interval (around 90,000-100,000 miles) and is often a preventative maintenance item. Replacing a camshaft is a repair for a specific failure, not a routine maintenance item. 

What to consider

• Professional diagnosis: Have a mechanic inspect the camshaft to confirm it is the source of the problem before proceeding with a replacement. 
• Related components: When replacing the camshaft, it is often recommended to replace related components at the same time, such as lifters or a timing belt, which can increase the total cost. 
• Resale value: If you plan to sell the car, a new camshaft can increase its value, making the repair more justifiable. 

Is replacing a camshaft difficult?

Replacing a camshaft is a moderately difficult to difficult task that requires a good amount of mechanical knowledge, patience, and specialized tools, especially for ensuring correct engine timing. While it can be done with the engine in the car, it involves significant disassembly of the engine's top end, such as removing the cylinder head, valve covers, and timing chain, along with precise reassembly and torquing to specification. 
Factors that make it difficult

• Complexity: The process requires a thorough understanding of engine mechanics and careful attention to detail, as small mistakes can cause significant engine damage. 
• Disassembly: You must dismantle a substantial part of the engine, including the timing cover, cylinder head(s), and valve train components like pushrods and lifters. 
• Precision timing: Achieving correct engine timing is critical. If the timing marks on the camshaft and crankshaft are off by even one tooth, the engine may run poorly or suffer catastrophic damage. 
• Specialized tools: Some specialized tools, such as a torque wrench and potentially a cam-degreeing tool, are necessary for proper installation and to avoid damaging the new camshaft or other components. 
• Engine access: The amount of room to work can be tight. On some engines, access may be limited by the vehicle's chassis, requiring removal of the radiator and other parts to gain sufficient clearance. 

Steps involved in a typical camshaft replacement

1. Prepare: Drain engine fluids, disconnect the battery, and remove components to gain access to the timing cover (e.g., radiator, grille). 
2. Set timing: Rotate the crankshaft to bring the engine to Top Dead Center (TDC) and align the timing marks on the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets. 
3. Remove old camshaft: Disassemble the timing chain, valve covers, and valve train to gain access to the camshaft. The camshaft can then be carefully removed. 
4. Install new camshaft: Lubricate the new camshaft with assembly lubricant, install the lifters, and carefully slide the new camshaft into place. 
5. Set timing and reassemble: Align the timing marks on the new camshaft and crankshaft, reattach the timing chain, and reassemble all components in the reverse order of removal, ensuring all parts are torqued to the manufacturer's specifications. 
6. Complete final checks: Double-check all connections, torqued bolts, and timing marks before re-adding fluids and starting the engine. Some camshafts also require a specific break-in procedure. 

How much does it cost to replace a camshaft?

The average cost for a camshaft replacement is typically between $1,000 and $2,500, but this can vary significantly based on your vehicle, the extent of the damage, and parts and labor costs. A more extensive repair, such as replacing the camshaft and lifters on a specific GM engine, could cost as much as $7,500, or even more if the engine is severely damaged and requires replacement. 
Factors that influence the cost

• Parts: The cost of the camshaft itself can range from $200 to over $800, depending on the make and model. Additional parts like lifters, gaskets, and sensors will increase the total. 
• Labor: This is often the most significant portion of the cost, as a camshaft replacement is a time-consuming job. A dealership may charge significantly more in labor than an independent mechanic. 
• Scope of damage: A failing camshaft can damage other components, such as lifters, pushrods, and timing components, which will add to the total repair bill. 
• Vehicle make and model: The complexity of the engine and the location of the camshaft will affect the labor time and cost. 
• Type of replacement:
  • A simple replacement will be less expensive. 
  • A more aggressive or high-performance camshaft swap will increase costs. 
  • If the damage is severe, replacing the entire engine may be a more cost-effective long-term solution than repairing just the camshaft. 

Typical cost breakdown

• Parts: $200–$1,500+
• Labor: $800–$2,500+
• Total (average): $1,000–$2,500