What is a Cam Phaser? A lot of people might have heard about it, but don’t know the meaning. if you have an interest in knowing more about Cam Phaser, that means you are reading the right article. In this article, we will be giving you the basic required information about the Cam Phaser. So, all you need to do is to read this article carefully.

What is a Cam Phaser

What is a Cam phaser? It is a computer-operated sprocket attached to the camshaft, mounted on the cam drive sprocket, which controls the camshaft. The cam phaser’s major duty is to adjust the camshaft’s position relative to the crankshaft and the pistons connected to it while the engine is running

What is a Cam Phaser?

A Cam Phaser works with the camshaft to control valve timing. Valve timing is the opening and closing of the valves while the engine is running. A modern vehicle is located on the intake and exhaust cam sprockets and connected through a timing chain. Cam phasers the camshaft relative to the crankshaft, which is operated by a computer-controlled servo.

They rotate the camshaft slightly fore or aft to advance or retard the valve timing to suit the engine needs Advancing the valve timing at low rpm (revolutions per minute) would enhance drivability and throttle response. Retarding the valve timing when the engine is under load at high rpm reduces NOx emissions and improves fuel economy.

What Causes Cam Phaser’s Failure?

There are different kinds of reasons why it fails. It might as a lack of constant checking of some things in your vehicle. Now when your low oil pressure is present, it cannot deliver the required power to the cam phaser according to its exact timing. This may be caused by the failure of an oil pump or dirt in the oil barrel.

It is vital to apply clear oil when creating proper oil pressure to make sure it contains the correct viscosity. Oil flows and pressure will be affected by any debris or sludge.

How to prevent Cam Phaser Failure

Here are some easy ways to prevent the cam phasers from failing.

  • Use the right engine oil.
  • Regular oil change.
  • Regular cleaning or replacing the solenoids.
  • Always change your filter regularly.

Following the above steps and guidelines, you will easily prevent yours from failing.

Symptoms of a Bad Cam Phaser

Below are some symptoms of a bad cam phaser, and these symptoms we have to take note of them, So we can quickly know what is wrong with our vehicle and can take it for repair before it gets worst.

  • Decreased fuel economy
  • Cam phaser noise
  • Check engine light illuminated
  • Loss of engine power.
  • Poor engine performance.

Above are the symptoms of a bad cam phaser.

What Happens if You Don’t replace Cam Phaser?

When it has gone bad without replacing, cam phasers can destroy a VCT, causing the engine exhaust valve timing problems. It can be stuck when the engine is running perfectly. A stuck cam phaser can cause damage to the intake and exhaust valves. And also valve timing problems can cause a loss of power.

How to Replace your Cam Phaser

If you want to know how to replace your spoilt ones, follow the step-by-step guide on cam phaser replacement below.

  • Open your bonnet and disconnect the battery.
  • Take out the air intake tube.
  • You’ll find about three 10mm bolts on the power steering reservoir. Unbolt them.
  • Now you will also find one 18mm bolt and two 13mm bolts on the power steering reservoir bracket. Unbolt them.
  • You will see the positive crankcase ventilation (PVC) tube on the valve cover. Remove it.
  • Unplug the major wiring plugs and the electrical components on the driver’s side’s valve cover.
  • Remove the power train control module and disconnect the mounting bracket.
  • Use the capable air compressor to remove dirt from the valve cover, which is already exposed to prevent dirt from entering the valve train while removing the cover.
  • You will find 8mm bolts on the valve cover. Loosen them.
  • Again, you will find an 8mm bolt on the dipstick tube. Remove it without removing the dipstick tube itself.
  • Disconnect the ignition coil packs and the cam timing solenoid.
  • Carefully raise the cover off to prevent the variable cam timing solenoid from damaging.
  • Bring out your timing chain wedge tool and insert it in between the chain’s two halves.
  • Use a dowel pin to mark the cam phaser’s position with respect to the timing chain and the camshaft.
  • Use vice grips and a bar breaker to loosen the cam phaser bolts.
  • Remove the bolts on the cam phaser and gently remove the cam phaser from the camshaft while trying to remove the timing chain from the cam phaser sprocket.
  • Insert the new cam phaser and use the dowel pin to properly align the new cam phaser using the old phaser as a reference during the installation.

Tighten the newly installed cam phaser bolts to a torque of about 30fts/IBS.

Cam Phaser Replacement Cost 

Cam phaser replacement cost depends on the make, model, and year of the vehicle. Including the parts and labour. It may take up to one good week to go from an appointment to diagnosis and installation. Mechanics will have to take down and diagnose it before making an estimate. This extra work adds up the cost and time.

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