Step-by-Step Guide: How to Inspect and Replace Finger Followers

Proper maintenance of a car’s valvetrain system is vital for smooth engine performance and efficiency. Among the essential components ensuring accurate valve operation are finger followers — small but crucial levers that transmit motion from the camshaft lobes to the valves. Over time, these parts can wear down or become damaged due to friction, poor lubrication, or high RPM stress.

This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step explanation of how to inspect and replace finger followers correctly. Whether you’re a professional mechanic or an advanced DIY enthusiast, following the right procedure can help prevent costly damage and restore your engine’s performance. For quality replacement parts, you can Buy Finger Followers online.

Understanding the Role of Finger Followers

Finger followers are part of the overhead camshaft (OHC) or dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) system. They act as intermediaries between the camshaft and the valves, converting rotational motion into precise linear valve movement.

Main functions include:

• Transmitting camshaft motion to open and close valves.

• Minimizing friction through roller bearings or low-friction surfaces.

• Maintaining correct valve timing for efficient combustion.

• Reducing mechanical noise and wear.

When these components wear or fail, it leads to symptoms such as ticking noises, loss of power, or misfires.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before beginning the inspection or replacement process, gather the following tools and materials:

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

1. Park the car on a flat, stable surface and engage the handbrake.

2. Allow the engine to cool completely to avoid burns.

3. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent accidental electrical contact.

4. Remove any plastic covers or air intake components blocking access to the valve cover.

Step 2: Remove the Valve Cover

1. Unbolt the valve cover using a socket wrench.

2. Gently lift the cover, taking care not to damage the gasket.

3. Place the cover aside and clean the sealing surface of any oil or debris.

4. Observe the camshaft and finger followers beneath — this is your primary inspection zone.

Step 3: Inspect the Finger Followers

Inspect each finger follower for visible signs of wear or damage.

Common issues to look for:

• Scoring or pitting on the contact surface.

• Flat spots or cracks on the roller area.

• Excessive side-to-side movement on the pivot.

• Discoloration (blue or black spots) due to overheating.

Use a feeler gauge to measure valve clearance and ensure it’s within manufacturer specifications. If clearance is excessive, it might indicate a worn follower or camshaft lobe.

Tip: Always inspect the camshaft lobes for uneven wear patterns or grooves, as these can quickly damage new followers if left unaddressed.

Step 4: Remove the Old Finger Followers

If any finger follower shows signs of wear or damage, proceed with removal.

1. Rotate the engine manually using a wrench on the crankshaft pulley until the cam lobe for the target valve is at its lowest point (valve closed).

2. Carefully remove the finger follower using a magnet tool or small pry tool.

3. Check the hydraulic lifter or valve spring beneath for damage or improper seating.

4. Keep removed followers organized to compare with the new parts.

Step 5: Inspect the Hydraulic Lifters and Camshaft

Before installing new finger followers, inspect associated parts:

If these components show wear, replacing only the finger followers may not solve the issue.

Step 6: Install New Finger Followers

1. Lubricate the new followers generously with clean engine oil.

2. Position the follower correctly over the valve and lifter area.

3. Ensure the roller sits directly on the camshaft lobe.

4. Rotate the engine manually to verify smooth movement without binding.

Important: Replace followers in sets if several are worn to maintain consistent wear and timing across the valvetrain.

You can Buy Finger Followers online from trusted suppliers to ensure correct fitment and durability.

Step 7: Reassemble the Engine

1. Reinstall the valve cover with a new gasket if necessary.

2. Torque the bolts evenly to the manufacturer’s specifications.

3. Reconnect any removed hoses, wires, or intake components.

4. Reconnect the battery terminal.

5. Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises.

After installation, it’s normal to hear slight ticking for a few seconds as the new followers and oil pressure stabilize.

Signs of Proper Installation

Once the procedure is complete, verify that the repair was successful by observing the following:

If noise persists or performance remains poor, recheck the installation, valve clearance, and oil quality.

Maintenance Tips for Long Finger Follower Life

Keeping your finger followers in good condition helps prevent future issues.

Recommended practices:

• Change engine oil every 10,000–15,000 km using high-quality synthetic oil.

• Inspect the valvetrain during timing belt or chain replacement.

• Avoid high RPMs immediately after cold starts.

• Check oil levels regularly — low oil can cause rapid follower wear.

• Use OEM-quality parts to maintain durability and precision.

Warning: Ignoring early signs of wear — such as ticking noises or reduced power — can lead to camshaft damage or complete valvetrain failure.

Conclusion

Finger followers are small yet indispensable components in modern engines. Inspecting and replacing them properly ensures accurate valve timing, smooth engine operation, and extended component life.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can identify early wear, perform safe replacement, and restore your engine’s peak performance.

For high-quality, durable replacements compatible with your vehicle’s specifications, Buy Finger Followers online from reputable suppliers. Investing in the right components today ensures your engine runs quietly, efficiently, and reliably for years to come.