Camshaft adjusters (phase variators)

How you know it is this

• A rattle at idle from the front of the engine, often worse warm
• A camshaft timing fault code naming a bank
• Rough idle, poor low-end pull, or a noticeable drop in economy

Worth knowing before you buy

• They rely on clean oil at pressure. Extended oil changes are the usual reason one fails, and a new adjuster on dirty oil fails again.
• The solenoid that controls the adjuster is a separate, far cheaper part and fails more often. Have that ruled out first.
• A V6 or V8 has one per bank, and a code naming bank 1 does not mean bank 2 is fine.

Rest of the timing

• Timing chains
• Timing chain tensioners
• Timing chain guides and rails
• Timing belts and kits
• Camshaft adjuster magnets / solenoids
• Timing covers and gaskets