Camshafts and Camshaft Components at Easy Life Markets
Camshafts control when an engine breathes, and this category at Easy Life Markets brings together the camshafts and the parts that work with them: complete engine camshafts, camshaft and lifter kits, cam sprockets, variable valve timing (VVT) solenoids and camshaft position sensors, for cars, trucks and small motorcycles. If you need to replace a worn cam, a noisy lifter set, a failed timing solenoid or a sensor that is throwing a fault code, this is the place to start.
The short answer to 'what should I buy?' is simple. Start with the part number from your old part or from your engine code, match it to the listing, and buy the complete kit when the job involves opening the engine. Our current range is small but practical, and we add new camshafts and related parts as we find good options. The current price and availability are shown on each product page.
What a Camshaft Does in Your Engine
A camshaft is a rotating shaft with egg-shaped lobes along its length. As it turns, each lobe pushes a lifter, follower or rocker arm, which opens an intake or exhaust valve. When the lobe rolls past, a spring closes the valve again. The shape of each lobe decides how far the valve opens, how long it stays open and when it opens in relation to the piston.
The camshaft is driven by the crankshaft through a timing belt, timing chain or set of gears. In a four-stroke engine it turns at half the crankshaft speed. That fixed relationship is why timing matters so much. If the cam slips out of step with the crank, the engine runs badly or, in some designs, the valves can hit the pistons. The camshaft article on Wikipedia has clear diagrams of how lobes, followers and valves work together.
Engines use camshafts in two main layouts. Older V8 engines and many trucks use a single cam inside the block, with pushrods carrying the motion up to the rocker arms. Most modern car engines use overhead camshafts in the cylinder head, often two per bank, one for intake and one for exhaust. Small motorcycle engines usually have a single overhead cam with rocker arms.
Main Types of Camshaft Products
When people search for camshafts they are often looking for one of several related parts. Here is what each one is and when you need it.
Complete Engine Camshafts
This is the shaft itself. You replace it when lobes are worn flat, when a journal is scored, or when the engine is being rebuilt. Car camshafts are usually cast iron or steel with hardened lobes. Some come bare and some come as an assembly with a gear or sprocket fitted. Our 12629698 hydraulic roller engine camshaft is a cam-in-block example for a family of GM V8 trucks and SUVs, and the EA888 intake camshaft assembly with timing gear is an overhead example for certain 2.0L Audi and VW engines.
Camshaft and Lifter Kits
Lifters ride directly on the cam lobes. A worn lifter can damage a new cam and a worn cam can damage new lifters, so most mechanics replace them together. A kit also saves you from matching parts one by one. The 5.7 Hemi camshaft and lifter kit with MDS lifters and gaskets is built for this kind of job on the listed Ram, Chrysler and Dodge 5.7L engines.
Cam Sprockets and Gears
The sprocket or gear on the end of the camshaft is what the timing chain or belt drives. Worn teeth cause chain slap, poor timing and noise. Some sprockets on VVT engines also contain the phaser that shifts cam timing. Our VQ35DE camshaft sprocket pair is listed for the V6 engines named on its page. If you are doing a timing job, our timing belts and chains category has the chains, tensioners and belt kits that go with it.
VVT Solenoids and Camshaft Adjustment Valves
Many engines change cam timing while running to improve power, economy and emissions. The engine computer controls this through a solenoid that sends oil pressure to the cam phaser. A sticking or failed solenoid often causes rough idle, a check-engine light and timing-related fault codes. You can read more about how these systems work in the variable valve timing overview. Our range includes the 06L109259A camshaft solenoid valve for VW and Audi EA888 engines and the BMW VANOS solenoid valve, which is shown as a pair.
Camshaft Position Sensors
The camshaft position sensor tells the engine computer where the cam is in its rotation. The computer uses that signal for fuel injection and ignition timing. A failed sensor can cause hard starting, stalling or a no-start. We carry the BMW camshaft position sensor replacing 13627525014 and the F7TZ-12K073-B camshaft position sensor for Ford. More sensors, including the Ford 1F1Z-6B288-AA camshaft position sensor, sit in our sensors category.
Motorcycle Camshafts and Rocker Sets
Small single-cylinder bikes use simple overhead camshafts with rocker arms. Wear shows up as ticking, loss of power and hard starting. The CG125 camshaft set is a three-piece assembly listed for CG125, CG150, CG175 and CG200 engines, and the motorcycle camshaft and rocker arm set includes the sprocket and shafts.
Camshafts and Cam Components Compared
This table puts the main product types side by side, so you can see which one fits your problem.
| Part type | What it does | Common signs of trouble | Typical job size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine camshaft | Opens and closes the valves through its lobes | Ticking, misfire on one cylinder, metal in the oil, loss of power | Large: head or timing cover removal |
| Camshaft and lifter kit | Replaces the cam and the lifters that ride on it together | Lifter tick, collapsed lifter, worn lobes found on inspection | Large: often a full top-end job |
| Cam sprocket or gear | Transfers drive from the chain or belt to the cam | Rattle at start-up, worn teeth, timing codes | Medium to large: timing job |
| VVT solenoid | Controls oil flow to the cam phaser | Rough idle, check-engine light, timing fault codes | Small: usually bolted on the outside |
| Camshaft position sensor | Reports cam position to the engine computer | Hard start, stalling, no-start, sensor fault codes | Small: one or two bolts and a plug |
| Motorcycle cam set | Single overhead cam with rockers for small engines | Valve noise, low compression, poor running | Medium: head cover and timing removal |
How to Choose the Right Camshaft or Cam Component
Most buying mistakes with camshafts come from guessing. These checks remove most of the risk.
Start With the Part Number
The surest way to match a camshaft, solenoid or sensor is the number stamped or printed on the old part, or the number from a parts catalogue for your vehicle. Our listings show the reference numbers they replace. Compare them before you buy. If the numbers differ, check whether the part has been superseded, which is common, rather than assuming it fits.
Know Your Engine Code, Not Only the Model
One model can have several engines in the same year. A camshaft for one engine code may not fit another, even with the same size. Find the engine code on the engine, in the owner's manual or on the registration documents, and check it against the listing.
Intake or Exhaust, Left or Right
Engines with two overhead camshafts per bank use different cams for intake and exhaust. V engines may also have different cams on each bank. The listing will say which one it is. Make sure it matches the position you are replacing.
Stock Profile or Performance Profile
Replacement camshafts copy the factory lobe profile. Performance camshafts change lift, duration and lobe separation to move the power band. A bigger profile can raise power at high rpm but can reduce low-speed smoothness, upset idle vacuum and need stronger valve springs. For daily driving, a stock profile is the sensible choice. Our current camshafts are replacement-style parts; check each listing for details.
Flat Tappet or Roller
Cam-in-block engines use either flat tappet or roller lifters, and the cam must suit the lifter type. Roller cams and flat tappet cams are not interchangeable. Kits avoid this question because the lifters and cam come matched.
Plug Type and Connector for Electrical Parts
For solenoids and camshaft position sensors, match the connector shape, the number of pins and the mounting flange. A sensor that looks right but has the wrong plug will not work. Compare photos of your old part with the listing photos.
Signs That Your Camshafts or Related Parts Need Attention
- Ticking or tapping from the top of the engine that changes with engine speed can point to worn lobes, worn lifters or a rocker problem.
- A misfire on one cylinder that is not fixed by plugs or coils may come from a flattened cam lobe.
- Metal flakes in the oil or on the drain plug magnet are a warning sign that something in the valvetrain is wearing.
- Timing or correlation fault codes often lead to a solenoid, sensor, sprocket or stretched chain.
- Hard starting or stalling with a camshaft position sensor code usually points to the sensor or its wiring.
- Rattle at cold start that fades can come from the timing chain, tensioner or cam phaser.
A diagnostic scan tool saves time here. Read the codes before you order. Our diagnostic equipment category and tools and equipment category are good places to look for the tools you need.
Fitting and Care Tips for Camshafts
A camshaft swap is serious engine work. On many engines it means removing timing covers, chains or belts and sometimes the cylinder head. If you are not confident with timing marks and engine assembly, have a qualified mechanic do the job. Wrong timing can damage the engine.
- Use the service manual for your engine. Timing marks, locking tools, bolt sequences and torque values are engine-specific. Follow the manual, not memory.
- Lock the timing. Many overhead cam engines need special locking tools. Our EA211 timing tool kit is one example for certain VW group engines.
- Lubricate on assembly. New cams and lifters need assembly lube or clean oil on the lobes and journals before the first start. Follow the instructions supplied with the part.
- Replace related seals and gaskets. Once the engine is open, replace the cam seals, cover gaskets and any one-use bolts. Our gaskets category covers this.
- Change the oil and filter after the job. Clean oil protects new surfaces during the early hours of running.
- Clear codes and check timing after fitting. For sensors and solenoids, clear the fault codes and take a test drive. If the code returns, check the wiring and connector.
For long life, stick to the oil grade and change interval your vehicle maker sets. Camshafts and lifters depend on clean oil at the right pressure. Low or dirty oil is one of the most common causes of worn lobes.
Who This Category Is For
Our camshafts category suits several kinds of buyers:
- Home mechanics replacing a solenoid or position sensor, which is often a short job with basic tools.
- Workshops and independent mechanics who need a cam and lifter kit or an intake camshaft assembly for a specific engine.
- Engine rebuilders who want a matched set rather than separate parts.
- Motorcycle and scooter owners keeping a small single-cylinder engine running with a fresh cam set.
Our Current Range of Camshafts and Cam Parts
Our current range includes ten products, covering cars, trucks and small motorcycles:
- 12629698 hydraulic roller engine camshaft for the listed GM V8 trucks and SUVs
- 5.7 Hemi camshaft and lifter kit with MDS lifters
- EA888 intake camshaft assembly with timing gear
- VQ35DE VVT camshaft sprocket pair
- 06L109259A camshaft adjustment solenoid
- BMW VANOS camshaft solenoid valve
- BMW camshaft position sensor
- Ford F7TZ-12K073-B camshaft position sensor
- CG125 motorcycle camshaft set
- Motorcycle camshaft and rocker arm set
Each listing shows its fitment notes and the reference numbers it replaces. Read them carefully and compare with your vehicle before ordering.
Related Engine Categories
Camshafts sit inside the wider engine parts category, which is part of our main auto parts department. If your job goes further than the valvetrain, these sibling categories help:
- Crankshafts, bearings and crank position sensors for the bottom end
- Timing belts and chains for the drive that turns your camshafts
- Pistons and cylinder kits for rebuilds
- Gaskets and seals for reassembly
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which camshaft fits my engine?
Match the part number on your old camshaft or from a parts catalogue for your engine code. Then check the listing for intake or exhaust, bank side and lifter type. If you are unsure, send us the details through our contact page before you order.
Should I replace lifters when I replace camshafts?
On cam-in-block engines, yes, in almost every case. Old lifters are worn to the old lobes and can damage a new cam quickly. That is why a cam and lifter kit is usually the better buy.
Can a bad VVT solenoid damage the camshaft?
A failed solenoid mainly affects timing control, idle and power. It is not usually a direct cause of lobe wear, but running for a long time with timing faults is not good for the engine. Fix it once a code points to it.
What is the difference between a camshaft sensor and a crankshaft sensor?
The camshaft sensor reports where the cam is in its cycle. The crankshaft sensor reports crank position and engine speed. The engine computer compares both. Crank sensors are in our crankshafts category.
Can I fit camshafts myself?
Sensors and outside-mounted solenoids are often fine for a careful home mechanic. Replacing the camshafts themselves involves engine timing, so we recommend a qualified mechanic unless you have done timing work before and have the service manual.
Do you sell performance camshafts?
Our current camshafts are replacement-style parts for the engines listed. We may add more types later. Check each product page for the details given.
What if the part does not fit?
Please read our return and refund policy before fitting, and do not install a part you think is wrong. Our FAQ page covers common order questions.
How is shipping handled?
Shipping options and costs are explained on our shipping policy page. Details can vary by order, so check there before you buy.
Buy Camshafts and Cam Components with Confidence
Easy Life Markets sells camshafts, cam and lifter kits, sprockets, VVT solenoids and position sensors for the engines named on each listing. Check your part number, confirm the engine code, and choose the complete kit when the engine is coming apart. Good preparation is what makes a camshaft job go smoothly. When you have the numbers, pick the matching part from the list above, or contact us if you need a second opinion on fitment.