What’s the Cost to Replace Cam Phasers on a Ford F-150?

Have you noticed some troubling symptoms in your Ford F-150 lately, like a rattling noise on startup, rough idling, or reduced engine power? These could be signs of a failing cam phaser, a crucial engine component that regulates valve timing. Unfortunately cam phaser problems are common in many Ford vehicles, especially the F-150. But what will it actually cost to replace the cam phaser on your truck? Let’s take an in-depth look.

The total cost to replace a cam phaser on a Ford F-150 typically ranges from $800 to $2500, depending on the shop rates, parts used, and if one or both phasers need to be replaced. Labor will account for a large portion of the overall cost.

In this comprehensive guide we’ll discuss what a cam phaser is, why they fail on F-150s, symptoms of a bad cam phaser, and a full breakdown of replacement costs. We’ll also provide tips to save money on your cam phaser repair. Let’s get started!

What Is a Cam Phaser and What Does It Do?

The cam phaser is a vital engine component that controls camshaft timing in relation to the crankshaft. It uses oil pressure to advance or retard valve timing, which improves engine performance, fuel economy, and emissions.

Here’s a quick overview of how cam phasers work:

• The camshaft uses lobes to open and close the engine’s intake and exhaust valves. Proper valve timing allows the valves to open and close at the optimal moments for engine operation.
• The cam phaser is attached to the end of the camshaft. It uses oil pressure to precisely adjust the camshaft’s position in relation to the crankshaft.
• By advancing or retarding the cam, the cam phaser can alter when the intake and exhaust valves open and close. This is called variable valve timing.
• Variable valve timing allows the engine to optimize performance, fuel economy, and emissions across the rpm range. The cam phaser adjusts cam timing based on factors like engine load, speed, temperature, etc.

So in summary, the cam phaser uses hydraulic pressure to change camshaft timing, which gives more precise control over the engine’s breathing for better performance. Now let’s look at why cam phasers are prone to failure on Ford F-150s.

Why Do Cam Phasers Fail on Ford F-150s?

There are a few reasons cam phasers are more prone to failure on Ford F-150s compared to other vehicle makes and models:

Ford F-150 cam phasers have some inherent design flaws:

• Many Ford engines with variable cam timing have issues with cam phasers, and the 5.4L 3-valve engine in certain F-150 model years is no exception.
• The location of the cam phasers makes them susceptible to oil sludge buildup and debris, which can jam the phaser mechanism.
• Plastic components inside the phaser assembly can become brittle and break down over time.

Insufficient oil pressure is another major cause of cam phaser failure:

• Cam phasers rely on good oil pressure to function properly. Low oil pressure prevents the phasers from advancing/retarding cam timing.
• Wear on engine components like the oil pump reduce oil pressure over time. Low pressure will eventually cause the cam phasers to stop working.
• Oil passageways clogged by sludge also lower oil pressure reaching the phasers.

$800 to $2500over 100k+ miles contributes as well:

• Like any component, cam phasers wear out over time. The phaser’s seals, filters, and moving parts degrade after higher mileage.
• This wear prevents smooth phaser operation and can lead to complete failure.

Given their design limitations and tendency to wear out over time, cam phaser problems are very prevalent on high-mileage Ford F-150s. Next we’ll cover the typical symptoms of a failing unit.

5 Symptoms of a Failing Cam Phaser on Ford F-150

Here are some of the most common signs that the cam phasers on your F-150 are wearing out or about to fail:

• Rattling noise from engine on startup – As the phasers wear, they can become loose and rattle audibly on initial cold start. The noise usually lasts for a few seconds until oil pressure builds.
• Rough idle and stalling – Failing cam phasers will cause uneven cam timing, making the engine idle roughly or stall unexpectedly.
• Reduced engine power and acceleration – Worn cam phasers cannot properly adjust cam timing for optimal power. You may notice sluggish acceleration.
• Engine light for camshaft/crankshaft correlation codes – The computer detects timing faults and throws correlation error codes like P0016 and P0017.
• Increased oil consumption – Damaged phasers can leak oil into the cylinders, raising oil usage.

If you notice any combination of these symptoms in your high mileage F-150, it likely indicates wear or failure in one or both cam phasers. Waiting too long risks further engine damage. Replacing the failing cam phasers is the proper repair.

Why Replace a Bad Cam Phaser?

When you notice cam phaser problems starting, it’s imperative to have them replaced rather than continuing to drive as-is. Here are the key reasons why repair is necessary:

• Prevent damage to camshaft and engine – The longer you drive with a sticking, worn cam phaser, the more stress you place on the camshaft and timing components. This accelerates wear and the risk of catastrophic failure.
• Restore proper valve timing – Only functional cam phasers can provide the precise variable valve timing needed for optimal fuel economy, performance, and emissions.
• Avoid complete failure while driving – In a worst case, severely damaged cam phasers can fail entirely while you’re driving the F-150. This leads to breakdowns and expensive repairs.
• Resolve warning light and codes – Replacing damaged phasers will turn off engine warning lights related to cam/crank correlation and timing faults.

For these reasons, it’s smart to replace worn or damaged cam phasers promptly to protect your engine and avoid breakdowns. Next we’ll take a detailed look at the cost.

Cam Phaser Replacement Cost for Ford F-150

What can you expect to pay for cam phaser replacement on a Ford F-150? Here’s a thorough breakdown of parts and labor costs:

Cam Phaser Unit Parts Cost

The cam phaser unit itself will be the biggest expense parts-wise. OEM Ford phasers are around $550 each, while decent quality aftermarket units typically cost $550-$850. So if only one phaser is bad, you can expect:

• One cam phaser unit – $550-$850

If both phasers require replacement, the parts cost doubles:

• Two cam phaser units – $1100-$1700

You’ll also need new seals, gaskets, bolts and other small components which add around $150 in additional parts.

Labor Hours and Cost

While parts are costly, the majority of the cam phaser replacement cost comes from labor. Shop rates vary, but plan on:

• 4-8 hours for one phaser replacement
• 8-12 hours if both phasers require replacement

At $100 per hour shop rate, you can expect total labor costs of:

• One cam phaser labor – $1,079 and $1,361

Combining parts and labor, you can expect to pay between $800-$2500 or more for cam phaser replacement on your F-150:

• One cam phaser replacement – $800-$1500
• Two cam phasers replacement – $1800-$2500

The exact cost depends on factors like:

• Shop hourly rates in your area
• Use of OEM, aftermarket, or remanufactured parts
• Any additional repairs needed like timing chains
• Experience of the mechanic performing the job

But in most cases you can plan on cam phaser replacement costing $800 per phaser, up to a total of around $2500 if both need to be done.

How to Save on Cam Phaser Replacement?

While cam phaser repair is a big job, there are a few ways you may be able to reduce the cost on your Ford F-150:

• Use quality aftermarket parts – OEM phasers are very pricey. Good aftermarket units can cut the parts cost in half.
• Ask for discounts on labor – If you’re a regular customer, some shops may knock an hour or two off the total labor time.
• Shop around for quotes – Check rates at several reputable shops to find the best deal on labor.
• Consider DIY replacement – If you have mechanical skills and tools, you can save on labor by doing the phaser replacement yourself.
• Stay on top of maintenance – Keeping your F-150 well maintained reduces the chance of cam phaser failure in the first place.

With some research and effort, you may be able to reduce your total cam phaser replacement costs by a few hundred dollars through parts selection and labor negotiations.

Conclusion – Taking Care of Your F-150’s Cam Phasers

Failing cam phasers are an expensive but fairly common problem on high-mileage Ford F-150 pickups. Typical replacement costs range from $800-$2500 depending on the amount of labor, parts used, and whether one or both phasers need fixing.

The best way to deal with cam phasers is preventative maintenance. Use high quality oil, change it regularly, and address any low pressure issues promptly. Take care of your F-150 engine and the cam phasers will last longer before replacement is needed.

But if you do notice symptoms of worn cam phasers like noise, rough running, or codes, have your truck inspected and get the phasers replaced as soon as possible. Allowing them to fail completely risks major engine damage.

With high quality aftermarket parts and a reputable shop, cam phaser replacement is the best way to restore proper performance and peace of mind in your hard-working Ford F-150 pickup.