In order for your engine to run right, your camshafts need to be in proper working condition. That's true whether you drive a Jeep Wrangler SUV, Ram 1500 pickup, Dodge Charger muscle car, or Chrysler Pacifica minivan.

They're made of two parts: a cam, or lobe, and a shaft. What they do is simple. They activate the engine cylinders' intake and exhaust valves.

How Camshafts Work

The camshaft is found inside the cylinder head. With a single overhead cam engine, there's one cam placed between the valve stems in each engine bank, and that cam manages both intake and exhaust valves. Dual overhead cam engines feature two cams per bank, with the cams placed directly above the valve stems. With a dual overhead cam setup, one cam controls the intake valves while the other handles the exhaust valves.

As the shaft portion of the camshaft rotates, the cam responds by pushing the valves open in rhythm with the crankshaft's gears. That's possible due to the timing belt -- or timing chain in newer models -- that connects the camshaft to the crankshaft.

While most camshafts are made from cast steel blanks, custom or high-performance camshafts may be produced from a solid block of steel. Either way, that steel makes them highly durable. However, wear-and-tear can still cause them to go bad.

How to Spot Faulty Camshafts

Causes of camshaft failure include:

• Engine misfires and increased emissions can be due to worn cam lobes not fully opening the valves
• Clattering or tapping noises from the valve cover can be a result of worn lifters failing to fully lift the valve
• A seized camshaft can cause the camshaft to break and then damage other engine parts

Genuine Mopar Camshafts Ensure Best Performance

If you suspect camshaft problems, examine your engine thoroughly. If you do need to replace a camshaft or lifter, make sure to get the right one for your vehicle. Your manufacturer makes the only ones that are guaranteed to be compatible with your model, and we have them in stock and ready to ship. Buy now and you'll be completing your repair project in no time!