Subaru Forester Camshaft Seal Replacement at your home or office.

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Camshaft Seal Replacement Service

How much does a Camshaft Seal Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Subaru Forester Camshaft Seal Replacement is $318 with $14 for parts and $304 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2013 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5L TurboService typeCamshaft Seal ReplacementEstimate$1609.33Shop/Dealer Price$1925.44 - $2770.23
2004 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5LService typeCamshaft Seal ReplacementEstimate$1228.01Shop/Dealer Price$1466.37 - $2068.74
2006 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5L TurboService typeCamshaft Seal ReplacementEstimate$1218.96Shop/Dealer Price$1467.41 - $2120.34
2010 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5L TurboService typeCamshaft Seal ReplacementEstimate$1488.84Shop/Dealer Price$1801.91 - $2644.43
2013 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5LService typeCamshaft Seal ReplacementEstimate$331.13Shop/Dealer Price$370.03 - $414.48
2010 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5LService typeCamshaft Seal ReplacementEstimate$1249.59Shop/Dealer Price$1493.34 - $2111.88
2009 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5L TurboService typeCamshaft Seal ReplacementEstimate$1500.34Shop/Dealer Price$1811.94 - $2653.35
2007 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5L TurboService typeCamshaft Seal ReplacementEstimate$1239.46Shop/Dealer Price$1488.88 - $2142.53
Show example Subaru Forester Camshaft Seal Replacement prices

What is the Camshaft Seal all about?

Like the crankshaft, the camshaft is an essential component of the combustion process that moves your car down the road. Its motion is responsible for instigating valve movement, which regulates the air/fuel mixture that fuels the “big bang.” The camshaft uses lobes (called cams) to push against and open the valves as the camshaft rotates (springs on the valves return them to their closed position) in sync with the pistons. Note: Both valves are closed during compression and combustion so that the combustion chamber is sealed.

The camshaft seal fits between the camshaft and the cylinder head, sealing the camshaft between the top of the head and the valve cover. Like all of an engine’s internal moving parts, the camshaft must be well lubricated, essentially submerged in oil, to do its job properly. Without the camshaft seal, this lubricating oil would leak out of the engine block, befouling the engine bay and putting the engine’s internal components in danger from insufficient lubrication. It also keeps contaminants like dust and dirt from damaging the engine’s internal components.

Keep in mind:

  • Typically, camshaft seals do not need to be replaced unless other components, such as the camshaft, are being replaced.
  • Replace the timing belt when replacing the camshaft seals, and vice versa.
  • A leak from the camshaft seal or valve cover gasket are hard to tell apart if the valve cover gasket is leaking in the same area as the cam seal.

How it's done:

  • The battery is disconnected
  • The camshaft timing belt and gear is removed
  • The camshaft seal is replaced
  • The timing gear and timing belt is reinstalled
  • The battery is reconnected and timing checked and vehicle checked for leaks.

Our recommendation:

One of the most important parts of your car, the camshaft seal is made from a durable material, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and pressures. But if it fails, replacement is the only cure. The good news is that the seal is a relatively inexpensive component, but note that replacing it can be a labor-intensive job.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Camshaft Seal?

  • Oil leaking from behind the timing cover.
  • The leak will eventually damage the car’s timing belt or cause it to slip, which will in turn throw the entire combustion process off kilter: the engine will run rough, there will be a noticeable loss of power, overheating issues, stalling and backfiring, excess smoke pouring out of the exhaust, and more.

How important is this service?

Loss of oil could cause the engine to seize, and a leak could develop into a potential fire hazard as the mixes with dirt and other contaminants. Replace the camshaft seal sooner than later.

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Meet some of our expert Subaru mechanics

Real customer reviews from Subaru owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(542)

Rating Summary
522
8
5
1
6
522
8
5
1
6

Darnell

19 years of experience
5 reviews
Darnell
19 years of experience
Forester 1998 - Starter - Los Angeles, CA
Darnell was very professional and helpful! He broke everything down and leveled with me, which I really appreciate. Can’t recommend him enough!!

Derrick

20 years of experience
16 reviews
Derrick
20 years of experience
Forester 2017 - Oil Change - Brooklyn, NY
Superb experience!

Mike

25 years of experience
79 reviews
Mike
25 years of experience
Forester 1999 - Spark Plugs - Ann Arbor, MI
Mike was great, and I highly would recommend him. His 25 years of experience and expertise was clear by how he patiently answered all my questions. Mike was extremely helpful and efficient!

Alexander

5 years of experience
126 reviews
Alexander
5 years of experience
Forester 2010 - Wheel Stud - Columbus, OH
Alex is always over-the-top helpful and gives good guidance on upcoming care and areas to pay attention to and how to approach parts and planning for my vehicle's maintenance.

Excellent Rating

(542)

Rating Summary
522
8
5
1
6
522
8
5
1
6
Number of Subaru Forester services completed
5962+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Subaru MECHANICS
700+
experts on our platform

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