How Much Does a Camshaft Cost?
Depending on the car you drive, it can either have one or two camshafts. As an integral part of your engine’s mechanical design, this part will be located on either top or the side of the engine, on top of the cylinders. Vehicle owners will know their camshaft is going bad when they either hear a ticking sound coming from the engine or a grinding noise that doesn’t right. The most common reason a camshaft will go bad will be either due to a lack of lubrication or it’s a faulty part.
How much does a camshaft cost?
The price of a camshaft will depend on the car you’re driving and the auto repair shop you take it to. To replace a camshaft in most vehicles with an overhead cam, the cost will be about $700 to $1,300. Parts, depending on the make and model of the vehicle, can be in the $150 to $300 range. Foreign camshafts tend to be 2 to 3 times more than an American branded camshaft.
For example, a Honda RSX camshaft can cost anywhere from $325 to $400, while a camshaft for a 2006 Acura, can cost anywhere from $625 to $700.
Toyota says the average part for its vehicles can be anywhere from $110 and $287.
Custom camshafts, which are used to replace stock camshafts so that they can be fitted into high compression for racing engines and chassis, can cost $200 to $578 just for the parts.
High-performance cars can see prices with labor getting close to the $1,500 to $2,000 range. For example, one forum member on camaro5.com said was quoted $2,300 for a new camshaft in New York City.
10w40.com says to replace a camshaft, the charge will be around $800 on most vehicles that have an overhead cam.
A forum member on lxforums.com was quoted $1,100 at a local mechanic and most said that was a fair price.
Camshaft overview
The camshaft will be made of a thick steel rod which is either milled or attached. As the shaft turns, the cams will press down on the valves in alternate intervals, according to the engine’s timing.
While the shafts are easy to get to, it’s the disassembly process that can be intensive. This process will involve taking apart the engine’s timing components such as the belts and the pulleys. The average repair takes five to more than 12 hours to complete.
A warranty, which is provided by the manufacturer, should be included with the part.
What are the extra costs?
Additional costs will be for the other engine parts that will support the camshaft and engine. A camshaft position sensor, which may be needed or replaced, can can cost $100 to $350 for the part.
How can I save money?
If the car is new, see if it is still covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. If it’s covered under warranty and the part is faulty, it may be covered.
With any car repair, always try to get as many quotes as possible. Some may be able to give you a ballpark estimate over the phone, while others may want to see it in person.
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