Driving With Bad Cam Phasers? See How To Quiet Cam Phaser Noise Easily

The loud and rough idle noise of that worn phaser is becoming unbearable at this point! You have finally decided to do something about it. Start here by learning how to quiet cam phaser noise using two methods.

Now such noise of cam phaser can happen for plenty of reasons. If you are not sure whether it’s the cam phaser that’s worn out or some other part that is making those weird noises, then you’ll first need to confirm it. Don’t worry if you have zero clue about diagnosing a troubled cam phaser. Because we have put down the symptoms as well to help you figure out the actual case. Keep On Reading…

Table of Contents show

What Is A Cam Phaser Noise?

Works as the heart of the VCT system, cam phaser is located near the intake and exhaust camshaft. It is a computer-controlled sprocket that naturally makes a ticking noise while riding a truck. The noise can increase day by day due to a lack of grease or extra wear.

Some vehicle manufacturers refer to camshaft actuators as phasers, while others use different terminology. But regardless of what they’re called, all phasers serve the same purpose: adjusting the position or the “phase” of the camshaft in relation to the crankshaft, thereby altering valve timing.
By CarParts.com

And, the main point of CarParts.com is that a few brands refer to cam phasers differently but the purpose is still the same.

The cam phaser usually supports the camshaft to stay in the right position. It plays a major role to shift the camshaft in the aft or front that suits the engine’s needs. Also, the cam phaser helps to advance the valve timing.

Due to the VVT solenoid oil pressure, the cam phaser stays activated. That keeps the engine performing fast without wasting extra fuel. Not only the cam phaser increases drivability but also boasts horsepower to run the engine well.

diagram for cam phaser noise — The diagram of the simulation of the abnormal cam phaser noise.

What Happens When Cam Phaser Go Bad- Symptoms of a Bad Cam Phaser

You want to learn how to diagnose cam phaser noise? This segment can help! A bad cam phaser shows pre-signs to hint at its weird behavior. You only need to observe your truck running ability or anything fishy to identify cam phaser failure signs. So, what happens when cam phaser go bad?

Engine Ticking Noise

Listening to the irksome ticking noise of the engine is a big signal of a bad cam phaser. The noise gets louder due to low oil pressure to run smoothly.

Unusual Fuel Consumption

If your truck has a bad cam phaser, it would cause extreme fuel consumption. Due to lack of speed, the cam phaser uses more fuel.

Engine Light Flickering Trouble

Many people faced engine light flickering issues when their cam phaser turns rusty. A bad cam phaser causes the ECU to switch to limp mode. That results in the truck light illuminating issue.

Low Engine Horsepower

The cam phaser that is bad causes engine horsepower to decrease. For instance, the engine will accelerate not more than 30-40 RPM.

Bad Engine Performance

A cam phaser failure will cause the truck to run roughly and poorly. Also, it may weaken the engine’s working ability and acceleration, unlike the usual state.

How to Quiet Cam Phaser Noise

There are typically 2 ways to quiet the noise of a cam phaser. One is oil treatment and another is cam phaser replacement. The oil treatment is an effective solution that may reduce wear from the cam phaser. Unfortunately, it won’t solve the bad noise issue permanently.

But most experts suggest replacing the cam phaser if it makes a weird noise. The reason is it will gradually weaken engine power and fuel mileage. And you never want your engine to reach that point!

How To Fix Cam Phaser Noise- DIY Method

Cam phaser noise can stop if using an eco-friendly oil treatment. Even if it won’t treat cam phaser noise fully, but the oil treatment is efficient as a short-term solution.

If you want a cheap repair of noisy cam phasers, then check out the given steps of how to fix cam phaser noise using the DIY technique.

Use 1 oz of oil treatment per 4 quarts of oil for the best results.

Step-1: Wear safety gloves and block rear tires using a wood blocker. Then, use the jack to lift your truck.

Step-2: Use a 14mm ratchet wrench to remove the drain plug. Be sure to use an oil collection pan to avoid oil leaks.

Step-3: Wait for 5-10 minutes so that oil flows completely.

Step-4: Next, attach the nut back again. Clean the dirty oil using a dry cloth. Attach a new filter with a dab of oil.

Step-5: Pull up your truck hood so that you can get to the motor oil. Remove the jack and woodblocks from the truck. Then, take an oil funnel and use the PlantSafe OT oil treatment. For that, be sure to use it without any additives.

Step-6: Wait for a few minutes. Then, check the oil level. You can use a dipstick to learn the oil level easily. After that, clean the engine surface. Close the engine cap and hood.

Step-7: Now, start your vehicle and make it idle to warm up well. Then, check whether your truck makes irksome noise or not. It should be quieting down the cam phaser noise. If not, go to the next process.

Step-8: Then, use the oil treatment again and keep your truck idle for a while. After that, observe the noise. It should be quieter.

Permanent Solution- How to Replace Spoilt Cam Phasers?

Due to the lack of oil change, the cam phaser gets spoilt and worn out. That causes weird noise when riding idly. To learn how to stop cam phaser noise permanently, read down below.

Remove the battery and PVC tube from the valve case beforehand

Take out the airbox and air intake snorkel. Be sure to detach the harness.
Then, tug the dipstick tube and detach the valve covers and 8mm bolts.
Next, rotate the crankshaft keyway in the 12 o’clock position. Remove the 3 rocker arms.
After that, tug the center rocker arm for the number one intake. You can also pull 2 intakes for the number four-cylinder.
Now, tug 2 intake rocker arms on the number five. Be sure to pull one exhaust on number eight on the left side.
Untie the 15mm bolt using a drill bit. To locate easily, it would be attached to the phaser that holds the cam.
Next, take out the cam sensor and rotate the crank position to 6 o’clock.
Place the timing chain wedge that holds the chain rightly. Make sure to mark the timing chain to attach a new one rightly.
Then, remove the 15mm bolt and cam phaser.
Insert the new one on the marked areas. Next, fit the new 15mm bolt well.
Attach the timing chain, cam sensor, and other parts just like you have detached.

We recommend you to spend some extra time finding out about the overall cam phaser replacement costs as well as the entire replacement guide in full detail.

Pro Tips: Be sure to wear gloves and a mask before doing any steps. Plus, change the oil once you are done fitting the new cam phaser.

This May Help You

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

What causes cam phaser noise?

The cam phaser makes noise due to its lack of lubrication. It has to advance and retard cam timing nonstop while the truck engine is running. Also, the cam phaser can make a ticking noise when the oil pressure drops due to other parts.
In fact, the locking pin cause oil to stay thin in thickness which stops the sound. Plus, the cam phaser can cause noise if the surface wears.

What does a bad cam phaser sound like?

A bad cam phaser will cause an irksome loud sound from the engine. The noise is definitely different, unlike the regular state. Your truck will make irritating gaudy, roar, or wail noise when the cam phaser goes bad.
Also, it may noise like a mixture of truck, car, telephone, and other sounds. Besides, not all cam phaser makes similar noise if compared side by side. But, it would make rare noise that is not pleasant.

How much does it cost to fix cam phasers?

At some point, you may need to replace the cam phaser when it goes bad. The cost of cam phaser fixing will need a big amount of money. In general, hiring an expert to fix out the cam phaser will need up to $800 to $2500 for precise replacement.
Yet, it may cost less if you only buy the cam phaser and do it yourself. A cam phaser will cost not more than $50 to $300 on average.

What do cam phasers do?

The cam phaser turns the camshaft in the front and rear direction to match the engine requirements. It as well advances the valve timing to increase engine RPM control and throttle response. Also, the cam phaser allows retarding the valve timing to ride fast under big loads.
Besides, it helps the engine to get rid of extra emissions and fuel consumption. Plus, the cam phaser keeps the engine cool.

Is it bad to drive with bad cam phasers?

If you drive with a bad cam phaser, it would probably cause the engine to get severely damaged. Not only that it will result in bad riding performance but also harm the solenoids. Due to the bad cam phaser, the truck will run roughly.
Other than that, the engine will make terrible noise because of the bad cam phaser. For these reasons, we suggest treating or replacing the bad cam phasers as soon as possible.

Wrap Up

Finally, you are done reading how to quiet cam phaser noise. The worn cam phaser will cause a rough and loud idle sound. In fact, it causes the engine to work unevenly.

It would be tough to drive with a bad cam phaser. As you know, the cam phaser noise will get eventually louder and louder. So, you must think about working with a solid solution to fix the noise issue.

Sadly, the oil treatment will not solve the loud noise of the cam phaser permanently. But, replacing it will bring back the fuel mileage, smooth riding, and reduce friction. Decide for yourself, whether you want to go for the temporary or permanent fix. Have A Nice Day!

You Can Also Read:

Driving with Bad Cam Phasers? See How to Quiet Cam Phaser Noise Easily

What Is A Cam Phaser Noise?