Camshaft replacement typically runs between $800 and $2,500 in total cost, depending on your vehicle, which camshaft failed, and whether the engine needs additional work once it's open

The camshaft itself is usually the cheapest part of the job — often $200 to $600 new. The real cost comes from labour. A mechanic has to remove the timing belt or chain, unbolt the cylinder head or valve cover, lift out the old camshaft, install the new one, and reassemble everything in precise order. That work takes 4 to 8 hours on most cars, which at $100 to $150 per hour adds $400 to $1,200 in labour alone.

The total also depends on what else the mechanic finds once the engine is open. If the timing belt is worn, you'll replace it while you're in there — another $300 to $800. If valve lifters or rocker arms are damaged, those come out too. A single-cam engine (most four-cylinder cars) costs less to repair than a dual-cam engine (many V6 and V8 models), because there's less to remove and reassemble.

Key Takeaways

  • Camshaft replacement labour is the largest cost, typically $400 to $1,200 depending on how many hours your specific engine takes and your mechanic's hourly rate.
  • The camshaft part itself usually costs $200 to $600 new, but OEM (original manufacturer) parts run higher than aftermarket alternatives.
  • Timing belt replacement often happens during the same job, adding $300 to $800 if it's due or showing wear.
  • Dual-cam engines and engines requiring cylinder head removal cost significantly more than single-cam designs because the work is more complex.
  • Getting a written estimate before work begins protects you from surprise costs if additional damage is found during disassembly.

Why the labour cost dominates the total

A camshaft controls when your engine's intake and exhaust valves open and close. It's buried deep inside the engine, under the timing belt or chain and often under the valve cover or cylinder head. To reach it, a mechanic must remove multiple components in a specific sequence, then reinstall them in reverse order with precise timing.

On a four-cylinder engine with a single camshaft, this job typically takes 4 to 6 hours. On a V6 or V8 with two camshafts (one per cylinder bank), it can stretch to 8 hours or more. Some engines require the cylinder head to come off entirely, which adds another 2 to 4 hours. At $100 to $150 per hour — the typical shop rate for general repairs — you're looking at $400 to $1,200 in labour before any parts are ordered.

Parts cost: OEM versus aftermarket

A new camshaft from the vehicle manufacturer (OEM) usually costs $250 to $600, depending on the engine. Aftermarket camshafts from suppliers like Dorman, Melling, or Sealed Power typically run $150 to $400. The difference is mainly in quality control and warranty — OEM parts carry the manufacturer's backing, while aftermarket parts carry the supplier's warranty, usually 12 months or 12,000 miles.

Many shops will recommend OEM parts for this repair because a camshaft failure can indicate a deeper problem — worn bearings, poor oil circulation, or contaminated oil. An OEM part gives you the manufacturer's assurance that it meets the exact specifications your engine needs. If you choose aftermarket, ask the shop what warranty they offer and whether they'll cover additional engine damage if the new camshaft fails prematurely.

You'll also need new gaskets and seals wherever the mechanic opened the engine — valve cover gasket, timing cover gasket, possibly cylinder head gasket. These typically add $50 to $150 to the parts bill.

When timing belt replacement gets bundled into the cost

If your timing belt is due for replacement (usually every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the vehicle), a mechanic will often recommend doing it while the engine is already open for the camshaft job. The timing belt is already partially exposed, and replacing it later means paying labour to open the engine again.

A timing belt replacement alone costs $300 to $800 in parts and labour. When bundled with a camshaft replacement, you might pay only $200 to $400 extra because much of the disassembly is already done. If your timing belt is not due yet, ask the mechanic to inspect it for cracks, fraying, or glazing. If it looks healthy, you can defer the replacement and save that cost now.

Single-cam versus dual-cam engine pricing

Most four-cylinder engines have one camshaft that controls both intake and exhaust valves. Replacing it typically takes 4 to 6 hours and costs $800 to $1,500 total. Many V6 and V8 engines have two camshafts — one for intake valves, one for exhaust — or four camshafts on high-performance engines. Replacing one camshaft on a dual-cam engine still requires opening the same area of the engine, so labour is similar. Replacing both camshafts, if both have failed, can run $1,500 to $2,500.

Some modern engines use overhead cam designs where the camshaft sits directly on top of the cylinder head, making it easier to access. Others use cam-in-block designs where the camshaft is lower in the engine, requiring more disassembly. Ask your mechanic which design your engine has — it directly affects how long the job takes.

What happens if additional damage is found

Once the engine is open, a mechanic may discover problems that contributed to the camshaft failure. Worn valve lifters or rocker arms can damage a new camshaft if not replaced. Sludge buildup or metal particles in the oil indicate bearing wear. A damaged timing chain or belt tensioner may need replacement. These discoveries can add $200 to $800 to the final bill.

This is why getting a written estimate before work begins matters. Ask the mechanic to call you if they find anything unexpected during disassembly, rather than proceeding without approval. Some shops will include a clause in the estimate that covers minor gaskets and seals but requires approval for anything beyond that. Read the estimate carefully and ask what's included and what would trigger an additional charge.

How to reduce the total cost

Shop around for labour rates. Independent mechanics typically charge $80 to $120 per hour, while dealerships charge $120 to $180 per hour. For a 6-hour job, that difference adds up to $240 to $360. Get written estimates from at least two shops before committing.

Choose aftermarket parts if the shop offers a solid warranty and your vehicle is not under manufacturer warranty. You'll save $50 to $200 on the camshaft itself. Defer timing belt replacement if it's not due yet — you can always replace it at the next service interval.

Ask whether the shop can source a used or remanufactured camshaft. Some shops offer remanufactured parts that have been cleaned, inspected, and resurfaced to OEM specifications, usually at 40 to 60 percent of the cost of a new part. These typically carry a 12-month warranty. This option works best if your vehicle is older or has high mileage and you're not concerned about the newest part.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my camshaft is actually failing?

Common signs include a rough idle, misfiring, a check engine light, or a ticking noise from the top of the engine. A mechanic can read the diagnostic code from your check engine light — codes P0010 through P0049 typically point to camshaft problems. A visual inspection of the camshaft itself requires opening the engine, so diagnosis usually starts with a code reader and a listening test.

Can I drive with a bad camshaft?

Not safely or for long. A failing camshaft causes misfires, which damage the catalytic converter and can leave you stranded. Continuing to drive risks internal engine damage that costs far more to repair. If you suspect camshaft failure, have it diagnosed within a few days.

Is there a difference in cost between intake and exhaust camshaft replacement?

Usually not. Both require the same labour to access and remove. If your engine has separate intake and exhaust camshafts and only one has failed, you replace only that one. If both have failed, you replace both, which roughly doubles the parts cost but adds minimal labour time since the engine is already open.

Will my warranty cover camshaft replacement?

Manufacturer warranties typically cover camshaft failure for 3 years or 36,000 miles. If you're within that window, take the vehicle to the dealership — they'll cover parts and labour. Extended warranties vary; check your paperwork or call your warranty provider before paying out of pocket.

What's the difference between a new and remanufactured camshaft?

A new camshaft is factory-made to current specifications. A remanufactured camshaft is a used part that has been cleaned, inspected, and resurfaced to meet OEM standards. Remanufactured parts cost 40 to 60 percent less and typically carry a 12-month warranty. The trade-off is that you don't know the part's history, though reputable remanufacturers test thoroughly before resale.