The crankshaft is one of the most essential parts of your vehicle, as it’s responsible for the proper operation of the engine.
This engine component converts the pistons’ vertical motion into the rotational motion needed to move your vehicle. Replacing the crankshaft is no small task, as it’s a time-consuming and, at times, delicate process.
Replacing a crankshaft typically costs between $2,000 and $2,750. It’s a labor-intensive job, so the price may vary depending on your vehicle and how complex the work is.
On average, most people pay around $2,500 to have their crankshaft replaced.
Cost for Replacing a Crankshaft
Replacing a crankshaft can be a difficult job and should only be attempted by a professional or someone who has experience working on engines.
Just to reach the crankshaft, many important components have to be removed or disassembled and then put back and reassembled correctly after the crankshaft has been replaced.
Because of the nature of the job, the bulk of the cost to replace a crankshaft is labor. Because the mechanic will have to handle so many different parts, there is a good chance that other issues will be discovered or those unexpected problems will arise.
Many garages will inflate the price slightly when they quote you on the job so that these issues will be covered.
Replacing a crankshaft is also costly for parts, but like the labor charges, the prices vary somewhat depending on the vehicle’s make and model. However, the biggest factor is the time involved to do the work.
Average Cost to Replace a Crankshaft
| Minimum Price | $1,750 |
|---|---|
| Maximum Price | $2,900 |
| Average Price | $2,400 - $2,600 |
Parts Cost to Replace a Crankshaft
The parts for replacing a crankshaft are not cheap and they can vary in price based on the vehicle. However, the price is usually between $400 and $900.
If you purchase a crankshaft on your own, the prices are somewhat less, but you will need other parts and materials besides just the crankshaft itself.
The parts cost from a garage will include any additional components that may need to be replaced, as well as shop fees and disposal of old parts.
To purchase the parts that you need at an online retailer like Amazon, you may spend between $415 and $780.
If you buy the parts at a discount retailer like Walmart, you may be able to save a few dollars, with the parts costing between $400 and $775.
However, even if you get a good deal on parts, if you don’t have a qualified and skilled mechanic to do the work, you could end up doing more harm than good.
Labor Cost to Replace a Crankshaft
The labor cost for a crankshaft replacement is usually high because of how much time is needed for the job.
The labor cost varies greatly depending on the type of vehicle you have and how difficult it is to do work inside the engine.
Labor costs may range between $300 and $1,000+ depending on the make and model of your vehicle, where you take it for the work, and your geographic location.
For example, replacing the crankshaft on a 2009 4WD Dodge Ram 1500 with a 5.7L Hemi engine may take around 20 hours.
On the other hand, to do the same job on a 2006 Honda Accord with a 2..4L engine may only take about 16 hours.
That four-hour difference may not seem like much, but when labor costs can be as much as – $130 per hour, it could mean a price difference of over $500 just based on the type of vehicle.
So, to get the most accurate quote for the price to replace the crankshaft, you would need to check the prices based on your specific vehicle.
The reason that the labor costs are so high for a crankshaft replacement is because of how long the job takes. To do the work, the person working on the vehicle will have to remove the transmission and engine.
The engine will have to be placed on an engine stand upside down so that the service technician can remove all covers, the timing gear, and the oil pan.
Next, they’ll have to remove the connecting rod and main bearing caps so that they can access and pull out the crankshaft.
When they’re ready to replace the old crankshaft with the new one, it can be even more challenging to reassemble the engine.
All of the parts and components have to be put back according to the vehicle specifications, which means adjusting and tightening everything appropriately and ensuring that all measurements are correct.
Overall, it can be a very tedious and delicate job, which justifies the amount of time it takes and the cost of the work.
Factors that Impact the Cost to Replace a Crankshaft
What kind of vehicle you have and where you take it for the work are two of the biggest factors that will impact the total cost to replace your crankshaft.
Of course, geographic location plays into how much the garage may charge.
For example, getting the work done in California or New York may be pricier than having it done in the midwest.
Large chain garages typically have set prices that aren’t up for negotiation, so you may have better luck getting a deal or discount at a local shop where you live.
Dealerships usually charge more than anywhere else, so you should try to avoid going to one unless you’re having warranty work done.
Crankshaft Replacement Cost Comparison by Service Provider
| Service Provider | Price Range |
|---|---|
| NAPA | $1,750 - $2,500 |
| Midas | $1,790 - $2,460 |
| Mr. Tire | $1,785 - $2,560 |
| Your Mechanic | $1,785 - $2,400 |
When it comes to your specific vehicle, the price for a crankshaft replacement may be higher or lower than average.
For example, replacing the crankshaft in a Nissan Altima is estimated to cost between $1,800 and $2,100.
The reason for the lower than average cost is the price for the parts which is estimated between $500 and $750.
The labor for this vehicle is still quite high, however, costing around $1,300.
Let’s take a look at some other vehicle types and the sample costs to replace the crankshaft:
| Vehicle | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Silverado | $625 - $700 | $1,400 - $1,500 | $2,025 - $2,200 |
| Ford Focus | $420 - $775 | $1,400 - $1,475 | $1,820 - $2,250 |
| Toyota Camry | $650 - $725 | $1,300 - $1,400 | $1,950 - $2,125 |
| Nissan Altima | $500 - $750 | $1,300 - $1,350 | $1,800 - $2,100 |
| Honda Civic | $675 - $750 | $1,125 - $1,450 | $1,800 - $2,200 |
| Ford F-Series | $420 - $775 | $1,400 - $1,475 | $1,420 - $2,250 |
| Toyota Corolla | $650 - $725 | $1,300 - $1,400 | $1,950 - $2,125 |
| Honda Accord | $675 - $750 | $1,125 - $1,450 | $1,800 - $2,200 |
| Ford Fusion | $420 - $775 | $1,400 - $1,475 | $1,420 - $2,250 |
| Honda CR-V | $675 - $750 | $1,125 - $1,450 | $1,800 - $2,200 |
So, it’s clear to see that the labor costs involved with replacing the crankshaft in a car are the most significant when it comes to determining a total price.
The type of vehicle greatly impacts the labor cost and the cost of parts.
Signs and Symptoms of a Faulty Crankshaft
There are some signs you can be aware of that may indicate a problem with your vehicle’s crankshaft. However, the crankshaft is a complex component of your vehicle, so there are many different kinds of issues and potential repairs that you may need.
One of the main symptoms of a crankshaft problem is a loud knocking sound coming from the engine. Other symptoms may include:
- The “check engine” light is blinking.
- Your vehicle doesn’t start right away.
- Vibrations coming from the engine.
- Your vehicle is stalling out and/or backfiring.
Costs to Repair a Crankshaft
In some cases, the crankshaft or its components may be repaired instead of replacing the entire component. This can sometimes save you some money, but on other occasions, it may not be much of a price difference since the primary factor is labor.
Some repairs may take close to the same amount of time as a replacement crankshaft.
There are several different types of repairs for a crankshaft, which include:
- Polishing
- Crankshaft pulley repair
- Canal cleaning
- Bearing replacement
- Crankshaft balancing
- Dressing
- Grinding
On average, parts for crankshaft repairs cost between $50 and $125, and labor costs are typically between $125 and $175.
The costs for crankshaft repairs depend heavily on the type of vehicle and the size of the engine. Eight-cylinder engines typically cost more for repairs than four-cylinder engines.
Example Crankshaft Repair Costs
| Vehicle | Engine Size | Average Price Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Jeep | 4-Cylinder | $75 - $100 |
| Jeep | V8 | $90 - $115 |
| Ford | 4-Cylinder | $75 - $100 |
| Ford | V6 | $80 - $110 |
| Ford | V8 | $90 - $115 |
| Chrysler | 4-Cylinder | $75 - $100 |
| Chrysler | V6 | $80 - $110 |
| Buick | V8 | $90 - $115 |
| Cadillac | V8 | $95 - $125 |
Front Crankshaft Seal Replacement
One type of possible repair is replacing your front crankshaft seal. This is a much less expensive solution than replacing your crankshaft, and it’s a simple fix that can prevent much more severe damage to the crankshaft or your engine.
Replacing a crankshaft seal can cost anywhere from $175 to $300+ depending on your vehicle and where you take it for the work.
Signs of a bad crankshaft seal
- Oil is leaking from the bottom of the clutch housing.
- The Clutch is slippery and misted with oil.
- Oil is leaking from the front crank pulley.
Without good crankshaft seals, oil won’t go where it’s supposed to inside your engine, and it will instead leak into areas where it shouldn’t go.
This can cause damage on both fronts. Without oil, parts of your engine can become damaged from grinding and friction, or it can cause excess heat to build up.
When oil leaks into areas that it shouldn’t go, it can cause serious damage to the more delicate components underneath the hood.
Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement
Another common issue is a faulty crankshaft position sensor. This is also a much less expensive fix than replacing the crankshaft outright.
It costs between $175 and $250 to replace a crankshaft position sensor.
If your crankshaft position sensor is bad, the vehicle may stall out, run poorly, not start at all, or the check engine light may illuminate. You may also experience vibrations coming from the engine which you may feel while holding the steering wheel.
How to Save Money on Crankshaft Replacement and Repairs
The main way to save money for this extensive job is to get several quotes from mechanics in your area. Since the bulk of the expense is due to labor, you may find that some shops are willing to work with you.
It’s a good idea to ask if the shop offers any discounts (senior, student, military, first responders, etc. ), or if they’re willing to price match with competitors.
Since so many components under the hood have to be removed or disassembled for this job, it would be a good idea to ask your mechanic about what other maintenance is needed to help reduce overall labor costs.
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The Bottom Line
Having your crankshaft replaced or having repair work done involving the crankshaft is not going to be inexpensive. Accessing the crankshaft requires removing the transmission and engine, and many other small and delicate components.
This is not a job that you should attempt to do on your own. It is a time-consuming and tedious job that requires special tools and skills.
The mechanic will have to re-measure and balance the various parts to your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications to prevent any unintended damage or performance issues.
The good news is that you may be able to find a shop that will work with you on the labor pricing, and once you have the work done your vehicle should run much better for many more miles.
Crankshaft problems and other internal engine issues are not something that you should wait to address in order to prevent further, and more costly, damage.