What is a camshaft adjuster?

What is a Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid? As part of the variable valve timing (VVT) system, the camshaft adjuster solenoid is responsible for allowing oil to adequately flow through the VVT system upon it’s engagement.

What does camshaft adjuster magnet do?

Camshaft adjuster magnet is nothing more than a simple solenoid at its core. The camshaft adjuster solenoid’s primary purpose is to allow more oil to enter the system, ensuring proper lubrication under a more massive load.

What does the camshaft adjuster solenoid do?

As part of the variable valve timing (VVT) system, the camshaft adjuster solenoid is responsible for allowing oil to adequately flow through the VVT system upon it’s engagement. The VVT system engages to deliver extra power to the vehicle when it’s traveling under added stress,…

Can a faulty camshaft adjuster cause an engine to fail?

This can lead to engine failure and expensive repairs. Not all Mercedes vehicles experience a problem with the camshaft adjuster solenoid failing prematurely; however, the most frequently documented occurrences take place in the Mercedes-Benz E350 from the years 2006-2012, but has also been documented in models like the C230.

When to replace a camshaft adjuster in a Mercedes?

Failure usually occurs well before the 100,000 mile mark, which is generally too soon for this part to require replacement. Mercedes has addressed the issue, giving specific replacement and repair instructions for the various codes the engine emits when encountering this problem.

What do you remove from an engine to install a camshaft?

With the cover off the engine, remove the three upper timing-chain bolts, along with the lower timing gear if a new timing chain is to be installed.

How do you replace a faulty camshaft adjuster?

Replacing it requires removing the solenoid and valve cover, releasing tension on the timing chain, and then removing the gear from the camshaft. Special tools and procedures are required to make sure everything is kept in the right position, the timing chain is kept from dropping, etc.

How much is the camshaft adjuster on a Mercedes Benz?

If teeth have broken off of the gear, then they will probably want to remove the timing chain cover and the oil pan to clean out the debris. The camshaft adjuster itself is $850 ($612 at parts.com). The camshaft is $478 ($343 at parts.com). The adjuster and the solenoid are related, but only because the solenoid is what controls the adjuster.

What is the adjuster on a Mercedes Benz?

The solenoid bolts onto the gear, and also attaches to the end of the camshaft. So, as the gear is rotated by the timing chain, the solenoid can then control the offset of the camshaft relative to the gear. The gear itself is called the “adjuster”.

How is the timing of a camshaft determined?

Basically, what you have on the front of each camshaft is a gear that is driven by the timing chain. Without variable valve timing, that gear would simply be forged onto the end of the camshaft and timing would be dictated by that gear’s relative position to the crankshaft via teeth on the timing chain.