While changing my spark plugs and air filter, I discovered this wonky thing. My exhaust camshaft gear appears to be wobbling because it's bent somehow. Here's a video of it running, and a couple photos of it. Note the crack in the gear near the bolts holding it to the camshaft. What do you think? I've already gone through the whole broken-timting-belt ****, so I would rather not do it again if I can preventatively replace it. What do you think?


Image 1

Image 2

 

Also, neither of the camshafts have variable valve timing judging on the type of camshaft gear used, but I could be wrong.

 

Yikes. Don't drive it, or even run the engine if you can help it. You'll need to remove the gear to inspect. Hopefully you just need a new one.

 

I've done a timing belt before, would the replacement process be similar? Obviously I couldn't be the cams in place if I have to take one of the gears off and I can't seem to find a good guide on how to do it.

 

The most sure way is to use the cam locking tool at the rear of the cams. But it can be done without it since its non-CVVT.

 

So I could theoretically get away without using a rear cam locking tool? I've watched some videos on using it (needed to replacing front cam seal) and it doesn't seem that difficult to use and is only a matter of removing the air box and cam speed sensor. Also, would I need new bolts that hold the gear onto the shaft or could I reuse the old ones?

Thanks

 

You could probably get away without the lock tool if you have a good cordless impact to loosen the bolts quickly without turning the cam.

I would replace the bolts, only because they are cheap and this happened. Better to replace three cheap bolts than bend some valves.