How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Camshaft?

Expect to pay roughly $1,500–$4,000 to replace a worn or damaged camshaft on most modern cars in the United States, depending on engine layout and access; simpler jobs can fall near $1,200, while complex or performance engines can exceed $5,000. If the problem is only a camshaft position sensor or a camshaft oil seal, costs are typically far lower—about $100–$350 for the sensor and $200–$600 for the seal. Below is a detailed look at what “fixing a camshaft” involves, why prices vary, and how to keep the bill in check.

What “fixing a camshaft” usually means—and what each repair costs

Shops use “camshaft repair” to describe several different jobs, from simple sensor replacement to full camshaft and valvetrain service. The list below outlines common scenarios and the typical 2025 U.S. price ranges at independent shops.

• Camshaft replacement (shaft itself): Parts $200–$1,200; labor 6–20 hours; typical total $1,500–$4,000+, depending on engine design and access.
• Camshaft position sensor replacement: Parts $25–$120; labor 0.5–1.5 hours; typical total $100–$350.
• Camshaft oil seal replacement: Parts $10–$40; labor 1.5–4 hours; typical total $200–$600 (often done with timing-belt/chain work).
• Lifters/followers/rockers if damaged by a worn cam: Add $400–$1,500+ depending on parts count and labor overlap.
• Timing components (belt/chain, guides, tensioners) if due or contaminated: Add $400–$1,500+, commonly bundled during cam or seal work.

The diagnosis determines which of these you actually need. Many “camshaft” warning lights point to a sensor or timing issue rather than a failed camshaft itself.

Why the cost swings so widely

The variance comes down to labor time and parts complexity. Labor rates at independent shops commonly range from about $110–$180 per hour in 2025, higher at dealerships and high-cost metro areas. These factors drive time and cost:

• Engine layout and access: Transverse V6/V8 engines in tight bays take longer than longitudinal 4-cylinders.
• SOHC vs. DOHC: Dual-overhead-cam engines have more components, more timing marks, and more labor.
• Timing belt vs. chain: Chains can require front cover removal and dealing with guides and tensioners.
• Variable valve timing (VVT): Phasers, solenoids, and oil control add parts and setup time.
• Collateral damage: A worn cam may score lifters/buckets and contaminate the oil system, expanding the job.

Engines with complex timing drives, tight packaging, and VVT systems sit at the top of the range because they add hours and parts risk.

Typical price ranges by engine type

While every vehicle is different, these ballpark totals reflect common outcomes for camshaft replacement—not sensors or seals—on mainstream models.

• Small SOHC inline-4: $1,200–$2,000.
• DOHC inline-4: $1,500–$2,800.
• Transverse V6 (minivans/crossovers): $1,800–$3,500.
• Longitudinal V6 (sedans/SUVs): $1,800–$3,800.
• V8 (trucks/performance): $2,500–$5,500+ (more for performance or variable cam timing systems).

Engines that require front cover removal, subframe drops, or special timing tools generally fall toward the top of these ranges.

What a proper camshaft replacement job includes

Quality repairs follow a structured process. Here’s what’s typically involved when replacing a camshaft, aside from model-specific steps.

1. Confirm diagnosis: Scope patterns, mechanical timing check, oil pressure and contamination check.
2. Disassembly to access timing drive and cam(s): Covers, valve cover(s), sometimes cylinder head removal in severe cases.
3. Inspect valvetrain: Lifters/followers, cam caps/bearings, VVT phasers, guides, and tensioners.
4. Install new or remanufactured camshaft(s) with assembly lube; torque caps to spec in sequence.
5. Time the engine per factory procedure; replace gaskets/seals and any one-time-use fasteners.
6. Oil system service: Oil and filter change; sometimes oil pickup and pan cleaning if metal is present.
7. Calibrations and tests: Clear codes, relearns if required, verify cam/crank correlation and road test.

Shops may recommend additional parts if inspection finds wear. Approving related replacements now can prevent paying duplicate labor later.

Symptoms that point to camshaft-related repairs

Understanding symptoms helps separate a major mechanical camshaft issue from a simpler sensor or timing concern.

• Check engine light with cam/crank correlation or cam position codes (e.g., P0011–P0019): Often timing or VVT, sometimes a sensor.
• Top-end tapping/knocking, misfires, or rough idle: Possible cam lobe or lifter wear.
• Metallic glitter in oil/filter: Suggests valvetrain wear; urgent inspection needed.
• Oil leaks at front or rear cam seal: Usually a seal replacement, not a new cam.
• Hard starting or stalling after warmup: Could be failing cam sensor.

A scan, mechanical timing check, and oil inspection usually differentiate between a low-cost fix and a major repair.

Can you drive with a bad camshaft or related fault?

Whether it’s safe to drive depends on the failure mode. Here’s a practical guide.

• Camshaft sensor fault: Often drivable short-term, but it can cause poor performance and stalling.
• Oil leak at cam seal: Drivable if minor, but monitor oil level; repair promptly to avoid contamination.
• Suspected cam or lifter wear with metal in oil: Do not drive; continued operation risks catastrophic engine damage.
• Timing/VVT correlation errors with noise or misfire: Avoid driving; towing is safer to prevent valve or piston damage.

When in doubt, minimize driving and get a professional assessment—small problems can escalate quickly in valvetrain systems.

Ways to reduce the cost

Targeted choices can trim hundreds off the final bill without compromising reliability.

• Bundle labor: Replace timing belt/chain components and cam seals while access is open.
• Choose quality parts: OEM or reputable aftermarket cams and lifters reduce repeat failures.
• Ask about remanufactured cams: Often cheaper than new with solid warranties.
• Get multiple quotes: Independent specialists may be 10–30% less than dealers in some areas.
• Check TSBs/recalls: Some timing or VVT issues have extended coverage on specific models.
• Provide your VIN: Ensures exact parts and prevents costly rework from mismatches.

Cost control is about doing the right job once; cutting corners on timing parts or lubrication can be more expensive later.

What to ask your mechanic

Clear questions can confirm scope and protect your budget.

• What confirmed the diagnosis—mechanical timing check, scope traces, or just a code?
• What parts are being replaced and why? Are lifters, followers, and VVT phasers inspected?
• What’s the labor hour estimate and shop rate? What items drive most of the time?
• Are timing components and cam seals included? Are any fasteners one-time-use?
• What are the warranty terms on parts and labor?

Written estimates with line-item parts and hours make it easier to compare shops and avoid surprises.

Bottom line

Fixing a “camshaft” ranges from a quick $100–$350 sensor swap to a multi-thousand-dollar mechanical replacement. Most full camshaft replacements land between $1,500 and $4,000, influenced mainly by engine design, timing system complexity, and collateral wear. Accurate diagnosis is crucial—and bundling related maintenance can save money and protect the repair.

Summary

For most vehicles, camshaft replacement costs $1,500–$4,000, with simple engines on the low end and complex DOHC/VVT or V8 setups higher; sensor or seal-only fixes are typically $100–$600. Labor time, engine access, and timing system complexity drive the price. Get a precise diagnosis, bundle timing-related work, and compare quotes to minimize cost without sacrificing reliability.

Can you replace a camshaft without removing the engine?

Yes, in many cases, a camshaft can be replaced without removing the entire engine, though it requires significant disassembly of the engine’s front or rear components. For a pushrod engine, you’ll typically remove the timing cover, water pump, and harmonic balancer to access the camshaft, and you must use a specialized tool or a makeshift method, like wooden dowels, to prevent the lifters from falling into the oil pan. For an overhead cam (OHC) engine, the process is generally simpler, involving removal of the valve cover and timing chain to access and replace the camshaft. 
For Pushrod Engines
This process involves keeping the cylinder heads on the engine: 

1. Remove the Radiator: You’ll need to remove the radiator and other components from the front of the engine to gain access. 
2. Remove Front Engine Components: Take off the water pump, timing cover, and harmonic balancer. 
3. Remove Rocker Arms and Pushrods: Loosen and remove the rocker arms and pushrods to release tension on the lifters. 
4. Secure the Lifters: This is a critical step to prevent the lifters from dropping into the engine’s oil pan when the camshaft is removed. 
   • Using Dowels: Insert a 5/16-inch dowel rod or similar tool into the engine block’s oil gallery holes. 
   • Specialized Tools: A specialized tool exists that will hold the lifters in place. 
5. Remove and Install the Camshaft: Once the lifters are secured, you can remove the old camshaft and slide in the new, lubricated camshaft. 
6. Reassemble: Reinstall the timing gear, retaining plate, pushrods, rocker arms, and all removed external components. 

This video demonstrates how to change a camshaft in a pushrod engine without removing the heads: 44sReignited – Cycle and AutomotiveYouTube · May 17, 2025
For Overhead Cam (OHC) Engines
Replacing the camshaft in an OHC engine is often more straightforward and doesn’t involve lifters falling into the oil pan: 

1. Remove the Valve Cover: Opens in new tabThis exposes the camshaft and the valve train. 
2. Remove the Timing Chain/Belt: Opens in new tabDisconnect and remove the timing chain or belt and the associated sprockets. 
3. Remove the Camshaft: Opens in new tabThe camshaft can then be pulled straight out the front or rear of the engine. 
4. Install the New Camshaft: Opens in new tabLubricate and slide the new camshaft into place and reassemble the timing components. 

Considerations

• Engine Type: The feasibility and method depend on whether the engine is pushrod or overhead cam. 
• Room: You need enough space in the engine bay to perform the necessary disassembly and work around the engine. 
• Associated Parts: When doing a camshaft swap, it’s a good time to replace other timing-related components like the water pump and timing chain/belt. 

Is it worth replacing a camshaft?

Replacing a camshaft is worth it for severe wear, damage, or for performance upgrades, especially if the vehicle is otherwise in good condition and you need long-term reliability. However, if the engine itself is heavily worn, a full engine rebuild may be more cost-effective than a single camshaft replacement. 
Reasons to Replace a Camshaft

• Preventative Maintenance for a Healthy Engine: Replacing a camshaft is a good investment if the rest of your engine is in good shape, as it restores lost performance, improves fuel efficiency, and ensures longer engine life. 
• Engine Performance Upgrades: Replacing a camshaft with an upgraded one can significantly improve engine power and performance. 
• Damage and Reliability: A worn or damaged camshaft affects engine power, creates misfires, and can lead to other engine problems. A new camshaft ensures better reliability and performance. 
• Warranty Protection: A new camshaft often comes with a warranty, providing long-term assurance against defects and unexpected repair costs. 

When It May Not Be Worth It

• Extensive Engine Wear: Opens in new tabIf the camshaft is so worn that the rest of the engine is also significantly worn, it may be more practical to rebuild or replace the entire engine rather than just the camshaft. 
• Cost-Effectiveness: Opens in new tabFor older vehicles with lower resale value, the cost of a camshaft replacement may outweigh the potential benefit or value of the vehicle itself. 

Signs a Camshaft Needs Replacing

• Engine Noises: Ticking or tapping noises from the valve train. 
• Performance Issues: Reduced engine power, poor acceleration, rough idling, or engine misfires. 
• Check Engine Light: Illuminates due to issues related to valve timing or engine performance. 
• Poor Fuel Efficiency: Worn cam lobes can affect valve operation, leading to poor fuel economy. 

Important Considerations

• Associated Repairs: When replacing a camshaft, you may also need to replace other valve train components, such as lifters or rocker arms. 
• Timing: Incorrect timing during reinstallation can lead to serious engine damage, so professional help is often recommended. 

Can you still drive with a bad camshaft?

No, you should not drive with a bad camshaft. A failing camshaft can cause severe engine damage, poor engine performance, and potential stalling, which can lead to accidents. If you suspect you have a bad camshaft, it is best to stop driving the vehicle immediately and have it towed to a qualified mechanic for inspection and repair to avoid further, more expensive damage. 
Why you shouldn’t drive with a bad camshaft:

• Serious Engine Damage: Continued use can cause severe, costly damage to other engine parts. 
• Poor Performance: Expect issues like a rough or lopey idle, lack of power, and poor fuel economy. 
• Stalling: The engine can stall unexpectedly, putting you and others at risk of an accident. 
• Misfires and Incomplete Combustion: A worn camshaft can cause valves to open incorrectly, leading to misfires and unburnt fuel in the exhaust system, which can damage the catalytic converter. 
• Increased Risk: The unpredictability of a failing engine makes it dangerous for both you and other motorists. 

What to do instead:

• Stop Driving: As soon as you notice symptoms, stop using the vehicle. 
• Get it Towed: Have your car towed to a qualified mechanic. 
• Consult a Technician: A certified technician can properly diagnose the issue and recommend the necessary repairs to avoid further damage. 

Is it expensive to fix a camshaft?

A complete camshaft replacement generally costs between $1,000 and $2,500 or more, encompassing parts and labor, though prices can vary significantly by vehicle model and the specific repair needed. Costs include a new camshaft, labor for a labor-intensive job, and replacement of associated parts like the timing belt, lifters, and seals, which are often done concurrently. For minor repairs or specific components, costs can be lower, with machining the existing camshaft costing around $100 to $300. 
Factors influencing the cost

• Parts: A new camshaft itself can range from $200 to over $1,000, with more complex or high-performance camshafts being more expensive. 
• Labor: Replacing a camshaft is a labor-intensive job, with labor costs potentially ranging from $800 to $1,500 or more, depending on the engine’s complexity and the mechanic’s hourly rate. 
• Associated parts: It’s common practice to replace related components at the same time as the camshaft, such as: 
  • Timing belts or chains 
  • Lifters 
  • Camshaft seals 
• Vehicle make and model: Costs vary significantly between different car brands and engine types (e.g., 4-cylinder vs. V8). 
• Repair vs. Replacement: In some cases, the existing camshaft can be repaired or re-machined, which is less expensive than a full replacement. 

Where to get an estimate

• Mechanic’s Rate: Consult your local mechanic for an accurate quote tailored to your vehicle and location. 
• Online Estimators: Websites like RepairPal can provide estimates for your specific vehicle, but they are not definitive. 
• Dealerships: Dealerships may offer higher prices but can also provide specialized knowledge for specific vehicle models.