There are several parts that ensure that your engine runs right. The camshafts and lifters are two of those components, and they're rather important.

A camshaft, as the name indicates, is made up of two parts: a cam, which is also called a lobe, and a shaft. The camshaft is responsible for activating the intake and exhaust valves in your engine. Single overhead cam engines have one cam per bank, placed between the valve stems. Rocker arms transmit the movement to the valves. A dual overhead cam engine has two cams in each bank. They're typically located right over the valve stems. When the shaft portion of the camshaft rotates, the cam responds by pushing the valves open in rhythm with the crankshaft's gears. That happens thanks to the timing belt -- or timing chain, if you drive a newer model -- that connects the camshaft to the crankshaft.

The lifters are hydraulic parts that move vertically within the engine block. They site between the camshaft and the cylinder valves. When the camshaft moves over the lifter's top, the lifter temporarily opens the valve.

How to Spot Faulty Camshafts and Lifters

These parts are typically made of steel, making them quite durable. However, they can go bad. Signs of trouble include:

For Best Performance, Choose Genuine OEM Camshafts and Lifters

Your engine is a finely-crafted piece of machinery, so it doesn’t make sense to choose anything but the best parts when you need to replace a failing camshaft or lifter. Those made by your manufacturer are designed specifically for your model and the engine that powers it, so you can trust in their compatibility and performance. Buy yours from our online parts catalog and we'll get your order shipped right out!