What Are Some Common Causes Behind Cam Follower Wear in European Cars

There are certain components in European cars that are least discussed but play a vital role in the smooth running and better performance of the vehicle. The cam follower is one such component which is responsible for converting the rotational motion of the camshaft into liner motion to help actuate valves in your vehicle’s engine.

Now, issues with the functioning of the cam follower can adversely affect the performance of your car and lead to complete engine damage. Most of the time, European cars equipped with direct injection or high-performance engines are susceptible to the problem. In this article, we will discuss the common causes behind cam follower wear in high-end European cars.

Improper Lubrication

One of the leading causes behind cam follower wear in high-end European cars is tied to the condition and circulation of engine oil. Most of the time, it is seen that inadequate oil pressure or oil level, or using the wrong type of oil, leads to the metals coming in contact with each other, which accelerates their wear and tear.

In fact, the cam followers are reliant on a thin film of oil, which helps in keeping them separate from the camshaft lobe, and if this film breaks down, then friction between the parts increases tremendously. Most of the time it is seen that inconsistent oil change schedules, blocked oil passages, malfunctioning oil pump, or using low quality oil contribute to the problem.

Moreover, if your high-end European car comes equipped with a variable valve timing unit, then it is very sensitive to oil quality and cleanliness. That is why it is very important to stick to the manufacturer-recommended oil change schedule of your European car.

High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Problems

If your European car comes equipped with a direct injection engine, then the cam follower often actuates the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP). Moreover, excessive fuel pressure or pump failure can lead to stress buildup on the cam follower.

In fact, the high-pressure fuel pump is dependent on the significant amount of force to help compress fuel, and the cam follower acts as the intermediary. Now, if the pump is having internal issues or operating at excessive high pressure, then the cam follower is going to bear the brunt of the stress.

Most of the time it is seen that a malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator, or a clogged fuel filter, or a failing HPFP leads to buildup of stress in the cam follower. In addition to that, ECU that are tuned for performance but lack proper supporting mode also contribute to the problem.

Damaged Camshaft Lobe

At times, it is seen that a damaged or failing camshaft lobe can contribute to the problem as it accelerates the wear and tear on the cam follower. The majority of the times it is noticed that a damaged camshaft lobe gives rise to excess friction and stress on the follower’s surface.

In addition to that, if you use wrong type of engine oil for a long time in your vehicle, then it will lead to the camshaft lobes developing a rough surface because of lack of proper lubrication and protection. At times, improper installation of the component can also give rise to cam follower wear in your high-end European car.

Excessive Engine Load

Often high-end European car owners have the habit of putting their vehicle to an extreme driving condition, and this is when the components under the hood of the car start to experience wear and tear including the cam follower. In fact, driving continuously with heavy loads, high RPMs, and aggressive driving styles can create all sorts of trouble for your European car.

Moreover, driving continuously in high RPMs mean a drastic increase in contact between the cam lobe and the cam follower, which will lead to an increase in friction and stress. That is why you will come across many professionals who advise against towing heavy loads on a continuous basis or aggressive driving all the time.

You must also take a look at the other camshaft components because faulty or damaged components can also lead to the cam follower wearing out faster than expected.

Finally

The above-discussed factors are some of the common causes associated with cam follower wear in high-end European cars. In fact, the moment you notice that the performance of your European car reduces drastically, you must reach out to a professional mechanic and have your vehicle inspected and fixed accordingly.