Is replacing a camshaft a big job?

Yes—on most modern vehicles, replacing a camshaft is a major repair that typically takes 6 to 20+ labor hours and can cost $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the engine design, access, and parts replaced at the same time. The job ranges from challenging to very complex due to tight packaging, precise timing, and the need to replace related components such as lifters and timing hardware. Older pushrod engines can be simpler; late-model multi-cam, chain-driven engines with variable valve timing are usually far more involved.

What determines how “big” the job is

Several design and condition factors dictate whether a camshaft swap is relatively straightforward or a full-day (or multi-day) undertaking. Here are the primary variables that change the scope and difficulty.

• Engine layout: Pushrod (cam-in-block) engines often allow in-chassis replacement; dual overhead cam (DOHC) chain-driven engines are typically more complex.
• Timing drive type: Timing chains with variable valve timing (VVT) phasers, guides, and tensioners add parts and procedures compared to simpler timing belts.
• Vehicle packaging: Transverse front-wheel-drive layouts can be cramped; some applications require engine or subframe removal for access.
• Number of cams: More camshafts mean more timing marks, locking tools, and potential failure points to manage.
• Service history: Sludge, wear, or prior lifter/rocker failures can force additional repairs (e.g., cam bearings on some pushrod engines).
• Interference design: Engines where valves can hit pistons demand precise timing and often extra verification steps.
• Electronics and calibration: Modern vehicles may require relearns (cam/crank correlation), software updates, or advanced scan-tool procedures.

In practice, even “simple” engines can become big jobs if access is poor or related parts are worn; conversely, a well-designed, belt-driven overhead cam engine with good access can be manageable for an experienced technician.

Typical labor time and cost

Because shop rates and vehicle designs vary, the numbers below are ranges, but they reflect what repair facilities commonly quote today.

• Labor time: About 6–12 hours for many cam-in-block pushrod engines; 8–14 hours for belt-driven SOHC/DOHC; 12–20+ hours for chain-driven DOHC with VVT; 15–30 hours if engine removal is required.
• Labor rates: Commonly $100–$200+ per hour in the U.S., higher at dealerships or in major metro areas.
• Parts: Camshaft $200–$1,200+; lifters/followers $100–$600+; timing set (belt/chain, tensioners, guides, phasers as applicable) $150–$800+; gaskets, seals, fluids $50–$300+; additional valvetrain parts as needed.
• Total estimate: Frequently $1,000–$5,000+; high-performance, luxury, or tightly packaged engines can exceed $6,000–$10,000.

Shops often recommend replacing associated wear items while everything is accessible, which raises parts cost but reduces the risk of repeat labor later.

When the engine might need to come out

Most camshaft jobs are done in-chassis, but certain scenarios push the job into engine-removal territory.

• Transverse DOHC engines with limited front-end clearance and extensive chain/VVT hardware.
• Vehicles requiring subframe drops or significant front-end disassembly that’s faster with the engine out.
• Engines needing cam bearing service (common on some pushrod designs) or machine work.
• Severe internal damage (metal contamination) warranting full teardown and cleaning.

Engine removal increases labor substantially but can reduce risk and improve repair quality when access is otherwise prohibitive.

Parts and consumables commonly replaced together

Because camshaft failure often involves or accelerates wear in related components, technicians usually bundle several parts into the same job.

• Lifters/followers/rockers and lash adjusters (replace as a set to prevent rapid re-wear).
• Timing components: belt/chain, guides, tensioners, sprockets, and cam phasers where equipped.
• Seals and gaskets: cam seals, front cover, valve covers, intake/exhaust gaskets, and sometimes head gaskets/bolts if heads are removed.
• Cam bearings (select pushrod engines), which may require machine shop work.
• Oil, coolant, filter, assembly lube; sometimes high-zinc break-in oil for flat-tappet cams.
• Ancillaries as needed: water pump (if timing-belt driven), serpentine belt, PCV components.

Replacing these items prophylactically improves reliability and helps ensure the new camshaft isn’t compromised by old, worn components.

High-level steps a professional follows

While exact procedures vary by engine, the outline below shows why accuracy and tooling matter.

1. Verify diagnosis: inspect lobes/followers, check oil for metal, scan for timing/VVT codes, measure cam lift if needed.
2. Prepare the vehicle: disconnect battery, drain fluids, set engine at timing reference (TDC), and document timing marks.
3. Gain access: remove intake/valve covers; for pushrod engines, remove intake manifold to access lifters; remove front cover and timing drive.
4. Lock/secure timing: use cam/crank locking tools; relieve tensioners; mark chains/belts and sprockets.
5. Remove the camshaft: extract followers/lifters as required; slide cam out carefully to avoid bearing damage.
6. Inspect and clean: check bearings/journals, oil passages, and components for wear; address debris contamination.
7. Install new camshaft: lubricate journals/lobes, insert carefully; install new lifters/followers and timing components.
8. Time the engine: align marks precisely; set belt/chain tension; verify timing and phaser positions per service data.
9. Reassemble with new gaskets/seals, refill fluids, and recheck torque specs (often torque-to-yield).
10. Commissioning: prime oil system, perform flat-tappet break-in if applicable, clear codes, and carry out relearn procedures.

Each step has critical checks; a small timing error can cause no-start conditions or catastrophic engine damage on interference engines.

Special tools and skills required

Camshaft service goes beyond basic hand tools and benefits from platform-specific knowledge.

• Cam/crank locking and alignment tools; phaser holding/clocking fixtures on VVT engines.
• Torque-angle tools and service-manual torque specs; pullers/presses for sprockets or bearings where applicable.
• Dial indicators or scan-tool data for timing verification; feeler gauges for lash (if adjustable).
• Quality scan tool for cam/crank correlation relearns and VVT actuation tests.
• Assembly lubes and, for flat-tappet cams, high-zinc break-in lubricants and procedures.

Lacking these tools increases the risk of mis-timing, leaks, and premature wear after the repair.

Risks of DIY and common pitfalls

Enthusiasts with engine-building experience can succeed, but there are common failure points to consider.

• Incorrect timing alignment leading to bent valves or no-start conditions.
• Reusing worn lifters/followers and timing components, causing rapid re-failure.
• Improper sealant use or gasket installation resulting in oil or coolant leaks.
• Skipping oiling/priming or flat-tappet break-in, leading to lobe scuffing.
• Overlooking metal contamination after a lobe wipes, which can damage bearings.
• Missing software relearns, causing drivability issues or fault codes.

If you haven’t done complex timing work before, the cost of a professional repair is often lower than the risk of engine damage from a mistake.

Symptoms that may point to camshaft or related issues

Before committing to replacement, ensure symptoms aren’t caused by simpler faults. These are common indicators of cam or valvetrain problems.

• Persistent misfires, rough idle, or loss of power—especially under load.
• Ticking or knocking noises from the valvetrain; lifter collapse on certain engines.
• Metallic glitter in engine oil or oil filter.
• Check-engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (e.g., P0016–P0019) or VVT performance codes.
• Measured low cam lobe lift or visibly worn lobes/followers.

A thorough diagnosis can distinguish between a failing camshaft, a bad lifter/follower, timing stretch, or VVT component issues.

Repair choices: replace, regrind, or alternatives

Once a cam problem is confirmed, there are paths with different costs and risks.

• New OE or quality aftermarket camshaft with new lifters/followers: most reliable for stock engines.
• Regrind or performance cam: viable with proper matching springs, tuning, and break-in (application dependent).
• Address root causes: fix lubrication issues, consider AFM/DOD delete on prone engines when appropriate.
• Engine replacement: sometimes cheaper and faster if damage is widespread or mileage is high.
• Comprehensive timing service: on high-mileage interference engines, replace all timing components while accessible.

Discuss options with a reputable shop; the best choice balances cost, reliability, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle.

Questions to ask a repair shop

Good questions can clarify scope, reduce surprises, and improve outcomes.

• What is the estimated labor time and what related parts are you replacing?
• Are lifters/followers, phasers, and timing components included? What brand parts?
• Will the job require engine removal or subframe drop?
• How will you handle potential metal contamination and oiling-system checks?
• What warranties cover parts and labor? Are software relearns/timing verifications included?
• Are there technical service bulletins (TSBs) or known updates for this engine?

Clear scope and quality parts help ensure the repair lasts and avoids repeat labor.

Summary

Replacing a camshaft is generally a big job—especially on modern, chain-driven DOHC engines with VVT—because it demands precise timing, significant disassembly, and replacement of related wear components. Expect 6 to 20+ labor hours and $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on design and access. While skilled DIYers can tackle certain engines, most owners will be better served by an experienced shop that can verify timing, perform necessary relearns, and address root causes to protect the new camshaft.

Is replacing a camshaft difficult?

Replacing a camshaft is a moderately to highly challenging mechanical job that requires significant expertise and specialized tools to avoid serious engine damage, especially due to the critical timing and engine component removal involved. While possible for experienced DIYers with the right tools, it’s often a large undertaking, possibly taking a full day or more, and it may be more practical and safer to have a professional mechanic perform the repair. 
Key Challenges

• Engine Component Removal: You’ll need to remove numerous parts to access the camshaft, such as the radiator, water pump, timing cover, and valve covers. 
• Timing Accuracy: Incorrectly setting the engine’s timing by even one tooth can cause severe damage. 
• Specialized Tools: You’ll likely need tools like a torque wrench, pulley holders, gear pullers, and possibly a hoist to remove the engine. 
• Supporting Parts: It is often recommended to replace other components simultaneously, such as lifters, timing chains, and the oil pump, which adds to the complexity. 
• Engine Weight: On some vehicles, engine removal may be necessary for access, adding substantial difficulty. 
• Computer Re-tuning: In modern cars, a camshaft swap may require reprogramming the engine’s computer to ensure proper operation. 

Steps Involved

1. Preparation: Remove the grille, radiator, and other obstructing parts to gain front-end access. 
2. Disassembly: Remove the water pump, timing cover, and timing components (chain/belt). 
3. Removal: Take off the cam gear and thrust plate to remove the old camshaft. 
4. Installation: Carefully install the new camshaft, aligning timing marks on the sprockets. 
5. Assembly: Reinstall the timing components and front cover, tightening all bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications. 
6. Engine Start & Break-in: After reassembly, follow manufacturer-specific instructions to initiate the break-in process, which often involves running the engine at a specific RPM for a short period. 

When to Call a Professional

• If you are not a mechanically experienced DIYer. 
• If you don’t have the specialized tools required for the job. 
• If you are concerned about the critical nature of setting the engine’s timing correctly. 
• If the vehicle requires the engine to be removed. 

Is it worth fixing a camshaft?

Conclusion. While a camshaft replacement is indeed a complex and potentially costly repair, it’s crucial for maintaining engine health and performance. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to engine issues can help prevent premature camshaft failure.

Is changing a camshaft a big job?

Labor. Labor is one of the biggest costs associated with camshaft replacement because the camshaft is a part of the engine. To replace the camshaft, the mechanic must take the engine apart, replace the camshaft, retime the engine, and put the engine back together.

How long does a camshaft replacement take?

A camshaft replacement can take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours for a typical job but can be longer, even up to 20+ hours, depending on the vehicle’s make and model, the complexity of the engine, and the experience of the mechanic. For a professional mechanic, the task involves removing multiple components like the timing cover, timing chain, and other engine parts, and must include precise timing of the new camshaft to avoid severe engine damage. 
Factors influencing the time:

• Vehicle Make and Model: Different engines have varying levels of complexity. 
• Complexity of Engine: Some engines are more difficult to access and work on than others. 
• Skill Level of Mechanic: A skilled professional will be faster than someone with less experience. 
• Additional Repairs: If the job requires replacement of related parts like the timing tensioner or cam bearings, it will add time to the process. 
• Special Tools: Some repairs may require specific tools and equipment that can affect the time. 

Key Steps and Considerations:

• Disassembly: A significant part of the time is spent disassembling engine components like the radiator, timing cover, valve cover, and timing chain. 
• Retiming: The most crucial step is correctly aligning the new camshaft’s timing to the engine’s timing. 
• Engine Removal: For some vehicles, removing the entire engine from the car may be necessary to perform the camshaft replacement. 
• Reassembly and Testing: After the new camshaft is installed, reassembly must be followed by proper testing and tuning of the engine.