Camshaft
The camshaft is a cylindrical shaft that sits atop of the engine with lobes on it. These lobes will protrude from the shaft at specific intervals. The movement of these lobes controls the opening and closing of the engine’s intake and exhaust valves. The camshaft acts as a coordinating tool – ensuring that the valves open in close at the right time in relation to the piston movements and firing of the spark plugs. In doing so, the camshaft allows your engine to run smoothly and produce the right amount of power when you step on the gas pedal. The camshaft also contains lubricated bearings that remove heat from the camshaft as it operates. Some modern vehicles may have multiple camshafts that are responsible for different valves.
Signs of a bad camshaft
- Engine popping noise
- Engine misfires
- Tapping noise coming from the engine valves
- Check engine light illuminates
Camshaft maintenance
Worn lobes, bad bearings, or a broken camshaft can all cause the above signs to appear. If you notice any of the above signs, get your camshaft inspected by a car care professional right away. Your technician will examine both the camshaft itself and the bearings attached to it to determine if one or both need to be replaced. Depending on the extent of the damage, the camshaft can either be repaired or replaced entirely. Extensive camshaft damage can also damage your engine, so in severe cases, your engine may have to be rebuilt as well.
The best way to get maintenance done on your camshaft is to book your appointment through CarAdvise. CarAdvise makes car care simple and guarantees that you’ll pay less than retail price on all car maintenance services.
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