How Much Does a Rocker Arm Repair Cost?
If you hear a fast ticking-like sound coming from your engine, there’s a good chance something is wrong with one or more of the vehicle’s rocker arms; however, this isn’t always the case as the problem can sometimes rely on the timing chain. Regardless of the noise, it’s important to get it checked out to prevent a disastrous repair bill from occurring in the future.
The rocker arm is a small level which is located on the top of the heads in the vehicle’s engine.
This part will redirect the force from the lifter to open the valves at the right moment, ensuring your engine is up to its optimized speed and rhythm.
Unfortunately, if this part were to fail, the cylinder associated with that rocker arm will temporarily become disabled.
The average broken rocker arm replacement cost
The cost of a rocker arm repair, as with most car repairs, will greatly depend on the car you drive as most quotes are based on the engine type, the mechanic/dealer you choose and the geographical location. From what we researched, the average price for the repair, including parts and labor, would be in the $600 to $1,000 range if all rockers were replaced.
As for parts, kits can range anywhere from $180 to $300 or about $15 to $30 each. The kits will typically include more than just the rocker, with most kits, from what we researched, including the pushrods and guide plates, to name a few. All brands will be different, so it’s best to read the product description before making a purchase.
To see the prices for just the parts, for example, AutoZone.com’s top-selling kits retail for about , whereas individual rocker arms will retail for .
A Chrysler mechanic on JustAnswer noted that the cost to repair the dow pins and rocker arms for a Chrysler 300 Touring would cost about $648 plus tax when all of the parts and labor is estimated. According to the AllData labor time guide, for this particular vehicle, it would take 2.4 hours to perform.
What is a rocker arm?
The vehicle’s rocker arms are usually located between the intake/exhaust valves and the pushrod. This part allows the pushrods to push up on the rocker arms, essentially pushing down o the valves. This isn’t always the case, however, as the rocker arms in an overhead cam application, the cam will ride directly on top of the rocker arm. In addition to changing the direction of the motion from the rocker arm to the valve, this part can also change the amount of motion needed to be transferred. Typically, this part will “multiply” its motion by a ratio by a factor of 1.45 to 1.7, meaning that for each .100″ of pushrod motion you would get .145″ to .170″ of valve motion, according to PeformanceTrends.com.
The rocker arm repair process
Before the mechanic works on the engine, the hood will be opened to allow the engine to cool before installing the new arms.
Once the engine has cooled down and the battery assembly is disconnected, the engine’s air cleaner assembly will be removed from the engine.
Next, each spark plug and the throttle body will carefully be disconnected/unhooked and set aside.
Using a socket and ratchet, the valve cover’s bolts will be removed in order to take the cover off of the cylinder head.
Now, the rocker arm bolts will be exposed, allowing the mechanic to detach the arms and balls from the cylinder head. The old valve gasket will then be removed, with any remaining material scraped away.
Using a torque wrench, the new rocker arms will be installed, along with a new valve cover gasket on the cylinder head. All of the new bolts will be tightened and secured.
Once all of the rocker arms are installed, the throttle cable bracket, throttle body, spark plugs and engine’s air cleaner assembly will all be installed in reverse order.
For the experienced mechanic, the entire job should take two to three hours.
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Average Reported Cost: $0
