Hidden inside your engine is a key mechanical component known as a camshaft. For most drivers who maintain their cars properly and don’t abuse them, there should never be a reason to have to deal with a bad camshaft. But if your camshaft does have a problem, it could mean major engine problems and an expensive repair bill.

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The camshaft and its bearings have been damaged: This is a much more severe type of damage, requiring that the bearings also be repaired. Replacing the camshaft with a new or reconditioned one and replacing the bearings should resolve the problem. Be sure that the bearings are correctly installed, with the oil passages properly lined up for good lubrication.

Depending on the exact design of your car’s engine, you may have one, two, or even four camshafts. Some camshafts will operate both the intake and exhaust valves, while others will operate only one type or the other. Most camshafts are cast out of iron, but some high-performance versions are machined from billet steel for extra strength and durability. Camshafts run in bearings that are pressure-fed with oil, to lubricate them and remove excess heat.

Brokencamshaftcauses

When everything operates together properly, your engine runs smoothly, responding to your foot on the accelerator, and giving you the exact amount of power that you need at any given moment.

Your camshaft is central to the correct mechanical operation of your engine. Any problems with your camshaft will be noticeable, and will prevent the car from running properly. Here are some of the symptoms of a bad camshaft:

The function of the camshaft is to precisely actuate “valve lifters” that open and close each of the valves at the appropriate moment, coordinating these valve motions (using a timing belt or chain connected to the crankshaft) with the movement of the pistons in each cylinder, and the firing of the spark plugs.

These bearings consist of a radial needle roller bearing combined with a thrust ball bearing. Together they can accommodate both radial loads and axial loads in one direction. In addition, they can operate at relatively high speeds. Their low cross-sectional height makes the bearings particularly suitable for applications where other types of locating bearing arrangements occupy too much space.

How long can you drive with abad camshaft

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Stephen has been an automotive enthusiast since childhood, owning some of his vehicles for as long as 40 years, and has raced open-wheel formula cars. He follows and writes about the global automotive industry, with an eye on the latest vehicle technologies.

What does abad camshaftlook like

A new camshaft is the most expensive option. A remanufactured camshaft will cost less, and remanufacturing your own camshaft (if it's in good enough condition) should be even cheaper, since you're supplying your camshaft to use as the core.

Your camshaft will need to be straight, and without excessive wear. The remanufacturing process usually includes adding metal back to the worn areas through welding, and then regrinding the camshaft back to its original profile. A new timing belt and oil seals are also a good idea when you do this.

• Accommodate radial and axial loads in one direction• High load carrying capacity• Relatively high-speed capability• Low cross section• Separable design

Bad camshaftsound

The camshaft, bearings, and top end of the engine have been damaged: This is a very bad situation. There is not only damage to the camshaft and its bearings, but other moving parts have also been maimed. This can include the valves, the connecting rods, the pistons and even the cylinder head or engine block. The amount of damage can “total” your engine, and possibly your entire car. Depending on your car’s remaining value, you may consider a replacement engine. If your car is not worth much, is very old, or has a lot of miles on it, this could be the end of the line. Next stop, the junkyard.

There can be many reasons why your camshaft has gone bad, including worn lobes, worn lifters, bad bearings, or even a broken camshaft. A broken camshaft can have a major impact throughout the top end of your engine, doing serious damage to parts like the crankshaft, cylinder block and head, valves, pistons, and connecting rods.

As its name suggests, a camshaft is a cylindrical shaft with cams on it. These cams are also called lobes, which protrude from the surface of the shaft at specified intervals along the length of the shaft. The location of each lobe corresponds to the location of one of the engine’s intake or exhaust valves, which regulate the movement of the fuel-air mixture through the cylinders.

Our experienced bearings specialists are on hand to offer practical solutions to your problems and can assist with an on-site visit.

Unless you're an expert, you should definitely entrust this job to a mechanic. A thorough diagnosis of why your camshaft is bad, and what caused it, is essential for making the proper repairs. There are a few different ways that this could go:

Should you notice any of these things happening, pull your car over immediately, and turn off the engine (if it’s still running). Don’t attempt to drive it anywhere. Call your mechanic and have it towed in for repairs.