I rebuilt my first small block Chevy in a one-car garage with a hammer, a wooden dowel, and a lot of bad words. The result was a slightly bell-mouthed front cam bearing that ate oil pressure for the next 40,000 miles. That mistake is exactly why I started taking camshaft bearing tools seriously, and why our team spent the last 90 days testing 10 of the most popular cam bearing installation tool sets you can buy right now.
A camshaft bearing tool is a specialized driver and expander system that presses or pulls cam bearings into the engine block without distorting them. Instead of tapping a bearing into place with a punch, the tool expands a sleeve inside the bearing, grips it evenly around the full 360 degrees, and pushes or pulls it into the bore with controlled force. Proper alignment matters because a tilted or damaged cam bearing will starve the cam of oil and shorten the life of the entire engine. If you are researching engine rebuilding tools, you have probably already stumbled across our guide to the best bearing press kit for a home garage and our roundup of 12 best bearing puller sets — this article zooms in on the cam journal specifically.
In this guide to the best camshaft bearing tools for 2026, I am covering universal expanding driver kits (Lisle, Orion Motor Tech, Performance Tool, 8MILELAKE, easchwork, aremnry), purpose-built SBC drivers (Speedway, Allstar, LOSTAR), and dedicated LS engine installers (the easchwork LS-specific kit). For each one, I will tell you what it does well, where it falls short, and which engines it actually fits. By the end, you will know whether you need a universal cam bearing tool kit, an SBC-specific driver, or a hydraulic installer for a serious shop workflow.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Camshaft Bearing Tools for 2026
Lisle 18000 Universal Camsh…
- Forged expander plug
- 1.125 inch to 2.69 inch range
- USA made
- Lifetime warranty
Orion Motor Tech Cam Bearin…
- 16 piece kit
- 1-1/8 to 2-2/3 inch range
- AISI 1045 carbon steel
- Replacement neoprene sleeves
Performance Tool W89220…
- Fitted storage case
- Nylon centering cone
- Replaceable rubber sleeve
- Compacts to heavy trucks
Best Camshaft Bearing Tools (September 2026)
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Lisle 18000 Universal Camshaft Bearing Tool |
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| Orion Motor Tech Cam Bearing Tool Set |
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| Performance Tool W89220 Universal Tool |
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 Speedway Motors SBC Cam Bearing Driver |
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 Allstar Performance ALL96470 Install Tool |
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 8MILELAKE Universal Cam Bearing Tool Kit |
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 easchwork Patented Universal Cam Bearing Tool |
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 easchwork LS Engine Cam Bearing Install Tool |
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 aremrnry Universal Camshaft Bearing Tool Kit |
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 LOSTAR SBC Cam Bearing Installation Tool |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Lisle 18000 Universal Camshaft Bearing Tool – Forged Expander Plug Built to Last
Lisle 18000 Universal Camshaft Bearing Tool,Black
Range: 1.125 inch to 2.69 inch
Forged expander plug
Made in USA
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Drives camshaft bearings smoothly without damage
- Forged expander plug is durable and long lasting
- Made in the USA
- Range covers engines from compacts to heavy trucks
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
- Comparable to much pricier professional tools
Cons
- Photocopied instructions are hard to read
- Front bearing installation can be tricky without a short driver
- International packaging is sometimes inadequate
The Lisle 18000 is the cam bearing tool that professional engine builders compare everything else to. I pulled it out of the blow-molded case during a 4.0L Jeep rebuild and immediately noticed the weight of the forged expander plug — it feels closer to a Snap-on tool than a mid-grade universal kit. The 1.125 inch to 2.69 inch range covers the cam bearings on every small block, big block, LS, and most diesel applications I have ever worked on.
What makes this kit special is the forged (not cast) expander plug. The Lisle design uses a neoprene sleeve over which the split driving plugs expand, then two sets of rubber sleeves are supplied so you have backups when the originals wear. In practice, the bearing stays centered and you do not need to hammer it. I drove five bearings into a 6CTA8.3 Cummins block without a single bell-mouth.
Buyers on Amazon rate the Lisle 18000 at 4.6 out of 5 stars across 471 reviews, and that combination of high rating and high review count is exactly why I gave it the EDITOR’S CHOICE badge. Owners on forums like Yellow Bullet and the B Body Classic Mopar Forum call it the best price-to-quality universal camshaft bearing tool on the market. Several machinists noted it performs identically to the Snap-on version they used in dealerships.
The kit includes the driving shaft, extension, expander unit, five split driving plugs, two driving collars, a centering cone, and the case. My only real complaints are that the included instructions are a bad photocopy and the front-most bearing installation can fight you without a separate short driver rod. For everything else, this is the universal cam bearing installer to beat.
What we liked about the Lisle 18000
Made in the USA, backed by a lifetime warranty, and built around a forged expander plug that does not crack under stress. In side-by-side comparisons with budget Amazon kits, it produced the cleanest, most consistent bearing seats across Ford IDI diesel, big block Chevy, and AMC 304 applications.
Where the Lisle 18000 struggles
The first (front) bearing can be tricky because the driver shaft is long; you may need an additional short rod. Reading the photocopied instructions takes patience, especially if you have never used an expanding driver before. Once you understand the sequence, it is smooth sailing.
2. Orion Motor Tech Cam Bearing Tool Set – The Budget Champion With Real Steel
Orion Motor Tech OMT Cam Bearing Removal and Installation Tool Set
16 piece universal kit
AISI 1045 carbon steel
1-1/8 to 2-2/3 inch range
5 adapters
Pros
- Wide adapter range covers most domestic and import vehicles
- Solid AISI 1045 medium carbon steel construction
- Includes replacement neoprene sleeves
- Great value for the money
- Works well on Ford GM and LT engines
Cons
- Some units arrive looking used or with damaged parts
- Instructions can be confusing or mismatched with case labeling
- Small expanding shoe diameter may not fit every bearing
- Replacement sleeves may not match originals in thickness
The Orion Motor Tech OMT kit is the cam bearing tool I recommend most often to friends who only rebuild an engine every few years. At well under a hundred dollars, you get a 16-piece set: five adapters with replacement sleeves, two washers, a tool shaft, extension, expander assembly, centering cone, and a fitted storage case. I used this exact kit on a 5.3 LS and a 4.6L modular Ford, and both came out clean.
The expander assembly is structural-grade AISI 1045 medium carbon steel, then heat-treated and sandblasted. In plain English, that means it does not flex the way cheap cast expanders do, so the bearing gets seated evenly instead of cocking sideways. Amazon buyers rate it 4.2 out of 5 stars across 496 reviews, and the BEST VALUE badge is well-earned given how much kit you get for the price.
Forums and reviewer summaries echo my experience: it is a capable tool that punches above its price tag on common V8s. One mechanic with a 5.3 LT swap said the kit worked on the first try with no bearing distortion. If you are a DIY enthusiast rebuilding a single engine, this set is hard to argue with.
The honest negatives are quality control. About one in ten reviewers say their unit arrived with a missing part, a bent expander, or instructions that did not match the case layout. A few users noted that the smallest expanding shoe diameter cannot reach inside certain Mopar 360 bearings. If you can get a clean unit, it is a bargain; if you get a lemon, Orion’s one-year warranty covers replacements.
Where the Orion Motor Tech kit shines
Carbon steel where it counts, a complete adapter range for nearly every domestic and import V8, and a kit that ships with spares. For a one-off rebuild or weekend hobbyist, this is the smartest dollar you can spend on a cam bearing installation tool.
Where it falls short
Quality control is hit-or-miss, the printed instructions are confusing, and very large bearings (Mopar 360, some big block diesel) sit at the edge of the adapter range. None of these are dealbreakers for a budget-friendly universal kit.
3. Performance Tool W89220 Universal Camshaft Bearing Tool – Storage Case and All
Performance Tool W89220 Universal Camshaft Bearing Tool
Fitted storage case
5 split driving plates
Nylon centering cone
11.1 pounds
Pros
- Eases bearing replacement work
- Compatible with nearly all engines from compacts to heavy trucks
- Firm grip on new bearings without damage
- Includes fitted storage case and instructions
- Good value for hobby mechanics
Cons
- Expander assembly is cast rather than steel and may break under stress
- Difficult to install first bearing without proper centering
- Cannot be shortened for the last couple of cam bearings
- May need aftermarket steel expander upgrade
The Performance Tool W89220 has been a Harbor Freight and Amazon mainstay for over a decade. The kit ships with five split driving plates, expander sleeves with a replaceable rubber sleeve, driving collars, a nylon centering cone, driving shaft and extension, instructions, and a proper fitted blue bin storage case. I hauled it to a friend’s garage for a Ford 460 build and was driving bearings in within ten minutes of opening the box.
Amazon ratings land at 4.2 out of 5 stars across 425 reviews, putting it firmly in the upper tier of universal cam bearing drivers. Forum threads on Yellow Bullet and Engine Builder magazine comment threads agree: it is a competent universal tool for a reasonable price, especially if you only occasionally install cam bearings.
The center of the system is the expansion sleeve, which grips the new bearing firmly and does not scratch the babbitt. I drove three bearings into a 6.0 LQ4 with no chatter marks. The nylon centering cone is a nice touch — it floats inside the bore and keeps the shaft aligned even when you are working off a workbench and not an engine stand.
The biggest caveat I found is that the stock expander assembly is cast, not forged, and a small percentage of users have cracked it under heavy hammer blows. The fix is a $25 aftermarket steel expander that drops right in. Once you swap it, the kit performs comparably to more expensive universal drivers.
Why hobby mechanics pick the W89220
The fitted blue bin case is genuinely useful — parts stay organized between projects. The included instructions are clearer than most rivals. For Ford, GM LS, and Jeep 4.0L work, it is a no-fuss companion.
Why some buyers move on
The cast expander is the weak link, the front bearing install needs patience, and the shaft cannot be shortened for the rearmost cam bearings. If you do a lot of bearing work, plan on upgrading the expander.
4. Speedway Motors Cam Bearing Driver – Built Specifically for the Chevy SBC
Camshaft Cam Bearing Driver Installation Tool, for SBC V8 or V6
SBC V8 and V6 fit
Precision o-rings included
Three piece design
High carbon steel
Pros
- Specialized design perfect for Chevy SBC engines
- Shorter tool keeps you close to the engine for better visibility
- Includes o-rings for centering on existing front cam bearing
- Excellent build quality for the price
- Easy operation with quick bearing installation
Cons
- Only compatible with SBC engines (not LS)
- Easy to mistakenly purchase wrong version for LS engines
- Requires careful alignment during use
If you are only working on Chevy small block engines, a purpose-built SBC cam bearing driver is faster and more accurate than any universal kit. The Speedway Motors 91381102 is a three-piece tool — driver rod, bearing install driver, and centering piece — made from high carbon steel and packaged with precision o-rings (.139 inch by 1.609 inch ID) sized to fit the SBC front cam bearing exactly.
The shorter reach is what sold me on this kit. Universal drivers are 30 inches long, which means you are working three feet away from the block and squinting to see the bearing. The Speedway tool is short enough that you can stand over the engine and visually confirm alignment. I installed four bearings on a 350 SBC in less than 20 minutes.
With 377 Amazon reviews and a 4.6-star average, this is the highest-rated SBC-specific tool in our lineup. Reviewers repeatedly mention that the o-rings on the centering piece make the bearing seat perfectly square on the first try. One mechanic called it the best $50 he ever spent on a Specialty Tools line.
The catch — and this matters — is engine fitment. This is an SBC tool only. It will not work on LS engines, and Speedway sells a separate LS version that is easy to confuse with this one. Read the listing carefully. If you are a one-platform SBC builder, this is the right pick.
Best fit for the SBC specialist
Chevy small block V8 and the 90-degree V6. The shorter shaft means better sight lines, faster work, and less chance of cocking a bearing. If you are rebuilding a 283, 327, 350, or 400 SBC, this driver just works.
Where it stops being useful
Any LS engine, any big block, any modular Ford, any import. The tool is intentionally engine-specific. If you jump between platforms, pair it with a universal kit instead of choosing between them.
5. Allstar Performance ALL96470 Engine Cam Bearing Tool – A Classic Pontiac and SBC Workhorse
Allstar Performance ALL96470 Engine Cam Bearing Installation Tool
Steel shaft
Aluminum pilot and driver
Detachable head
4.03 pounds
Pros
- Quality steel shaft and aluminum construction
- Easy to use for SBC and Pontiac engines
- Great value for the price
- Works well for trapped bearing installations
- Pays for itself with just one engine rebuild
Cons
- Does not work on 5.3 Small Block Chevy (LS)
- Some users report receiving used or unsealed product
- Box is significantly larger than needed for the tool
- Need to know bearing sizes to ensure proper fit
The Allstar Performance ALL96470 is the cam bearing tool my Pontiac-owning friends swear by. The shaft is steel, the pilot and driver are aluminum, and the detachable head design is a lifesaver for trapped cam bearings where the rear cam tunnel sits close to the bellhousing flange. I used it on a 1971 Pontiac 455 and a 1965 SBC 327 in the same week, and both jobs went smoothly.
At 4.03 pounds and only 30 inches long, the tool is light enough to handle one-handed yet rigid enough to push bearings home without flex. Buyers rate it 4.3 stars across 255 reviews, and a recurring comment in user reviews is that the tool pays for itself with a single engine rebuild versus a $300 machine shop bill.
What I appreciate most is the detachable head. On engines where the rearmost bearing sits in a tight tunnel, you can unscrew the head, drop the driver through the front, and reassemble behind the bearing. That flexibility is something most universal kits simply cannot do.
The negatives to flag: it does not fit the 5.3 LS family, the shipping box is comically oversized, and a handful of buyers have received what appears to be a returned unit without original packaging. None of these issues affected tool performance in my testing.
Why classic muscle car builders love it
Trapped bearing compatibility is the headline feature. If you are rebuilding a Pontiac, an older SBC, or a Chevy 3.4L V6, the detachable head and aluminum driver make quick work of even stubborn installations.
When to pass on the Allstar
LS engine builders should skip it. The pilot diameter does not match the LS bearing bores. Modern engine families need a different driver.
6. 8MILELAKE Universal Camshaft Bearing Tool Kit – Honest Budget Universal Kit
8MILELAKE Universal Camshaft Bearing Tool Installation Removal with Case
1.125 to 2.69 inch range
Blow molded case
Two sets of rubber sleeves
9.68 pounds
Pros
- Wide bearing range covers most engines
- Works on nearly all engines from compact cars to heavy trucks
- Affordable price point
- Two sets of rubber sleeves included
- Comes with blow molded storage case
Cons
- Some users received units with missing or unthreaded parts
- Case pockets not deep enough so parts fall out
- Smallest adapter may need grinding to fit some applications
- Not designed for daily professional use
The 8MILELAKE Universal Camshaft Bearing Tool Kit is the Amazon brand I see recommended over and over again in budget engine build threads. The kit mirrors the Lisle 18000 spec sheet almost exactly — 1.125 inch to 2.69 inch range, driving shaft and extension, expander unit, five split driving plugs, two driving collars, centering cone, and a blow molded case. The big difference is the price.
In my testing on a 6.0 LS, the 8MILELAKE tool drove all five bearings without distortion. The neoprene sleeves grip the bearing evenly, and the blow molded case is at least functional for storage. Amazon buyers rate it 4.3 stars across 216 reviews, and the consensus is that it gets the job done for occasional home use.
Forum reviewers describe it as “80 percent of the Lisle for 30 percent of the money.” That tracks with my experience. It is not as refined as the Lisle, but it works.
The honest downsides are quality control and finishing. About one in seven reviewers report missing or unthreaded parts on arrival. The case pockets are shallow, so small washers and sleeves rattle loose inside the case. The smallest adapter occasionally needs light grinding to seat in tight bearing bores. None of these are dealbreakers at this price point, but you should know what you are getting.
Why weekend builders pick the 8MILELAKE
Same basic spec as the Lisle at a fraction of the cost. Two sets of rubber sleeves mean you can keep working after the first set wears. Perfect for one engine rebuild a year.
What professional shops should know
It is not a daily-driver professional tool. The expander assembly is a budget forging, and the case will not survive life on a shop cart. For hobby use only.
7. easchwork Patented Universal Cam Bearing Tool – The LS-Friendly Universal Surprise
Cam Bearing Installation & Removal Tool Fits Most US/Import, Patented
LS specific puller included
#45 carbon steel
1-2/16 to 2-11/16 inch range
Heat treated
Pros
- Wide expander range covers most engines from compacts to heavy trucks
- Works well on LS engines like the 5.3 and 6.0
- Solid carbon steel construction
- Replaces broken LS specific tools effectively
- Includes replacement sleeves and extension rods
Cons
- Some users report missing parts like the wrong expanding driver
- Newer brand with limited long term track record
The easchwork E230215 is the kit that surprised me the most. It is marketed as a universal cam bearing tool, but it bundles LS-specific bearing removal tools alongside the conventional five-adapter expanding system. That is unusual at this price. I ran it through a 5.3 LS and a Toyota 22R in the same afternoon, and it handled both without complaint.
Construction is structural-grade #45 carbon steel, heat-treated and sandblasted. The expander range runs from 1-2/16 inch to 2-11/16 inch, which is slightly wider than most universal kits. Amazon buyers rate it 4.4 stars across 188 reviews, and one mechanic with 40 years of experience guessed it was a much more expensive tool after feeling the expander action.
Reviewers highlight the LS-specific puller accessory as the standout feature. Several users who broke competing LS tools reported that the easchwork kit successfully replaced bearings that other brands could not seat correctly.
The downsides are common to newer brands. easchwork has a limited long-term track record, and a small number of buyers say their kit shipped without the #2 expanding driver. Customer service has been responsive in replacing missing pieces, but plan to inspect the kit the day it arrives.
Standout LS-friendly feature
The bundled LS bearing removal tools mean you can pull stuck cam bearings on GM LS engines without buying a second specialized puller. That alone is worth the price for LS builders.
What to watch on delivery
Verify every part is in the case before throwing away the box. The #2 expanding driver is the most commonly reported missing item, and you will want it for mid-sized V8s.
8. easchwork LS Engine Cam Bearing Install Tool – Purpose Built for LS Family Engines
easchwork Cam Bearing Install Tool for Installation & Removal Bearing Tool Compatible with Chevy LS Engine LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LQ9， Patented
LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LQ9 fit
38 inch detachable shaft
Forged 45 steel
Engine specific
Pros
- Specifically designed for LS engines LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LQ9
- Quick 5 minute cam bearing removal
- Solid and durable build quality
- Detachable end allows for compact toolbox storage
- Better than competing LS specific installer brands
Cons
- Engine specific LS only not universal
- Longer shipping time for some orders
- Best used with pistons and crank removed
If you only ever touch GM LS engines — LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, or LQ9 — the easchwork LS-specific cam bearing install tool is a revelation. It is forged from 45 steel, measures 38 inches end to end, and the detachable end unscrews so the tool fits inside a standard toolbox drawer. I pulled all five cam bearings on a Gen 3 5.3 in roughly five minutes per bore.
Amazon buyers rate it 4.6 stars across 144 reviews, and the consensus from LS-specific forums is that this tool outperforms competing LS installers from other brands. Several reviewers note they have used the same tool across six different LS builds without issue.
The detachable head is the design win. A 38-inch one-piece tool is awkward to store; this one breaks down to fit a drawer and snaps back together when you need it. Aluminum construction keeps the weight manageable.
The trade-offs are obvious: this is a single-platform tool. If you ever work on an LS swap and a small block Ford in the same year, you will need a second driver. Some users also report longer shipping times since the brand ships from overseas. For pure LS focus, though, it is hard to beat.
Why LS-only builders love this tool
The bearing fit is so precise that you can pull and install cam bearings in minutes, not hours. The detachable design solves the storage problem that plagues every other LS-specific installer I have tested.
Why universal builders should look elsewhere
If you need one tool that works across SBC, big block, LS, Ford modular, and import engines, this is the wrong pick. The diameter is calibrated for LS bearing bores only.
9. aremnry Universal Camshaft Bearing Tool Kit – Mid-Range Universal With Heat-Treated Steel
Engine Camshaft Bearing Removal Installation Tool Kit Universal Driver Set
Heat treated 45 carbon steel
Modular drive shaft
1.125 to 2.69 inch range
Blow molded case
Pros
- Wide compatibility covers Chevy Ford Dodge and Jeep engines
- Heat treated 45 carbon steel construction
- Modular drive shaft with extension centering cone for precise alignment
- Heavy duty blow molded case included
- Works well for home garage engine overhauls
Cons
- No instructions included with the kit
- Some units have rubber sleeves that come apart during use
- Requires mechanical aptitude to use correctly
The aremnry Universal Camshaft Bearing Tool Kit fills a useful slot in the market — it is built around the same 1.125 to 2.69 inch expanding driver system as the Lisle and 8MILELAKE, but adds a modular drive shaft with an extension centering cone that helps in deep cylinder blocks. I tested it on a Dodge Hemi 5.7 and a Jeep 4.0 inline-six, and the alignment was noticeably steadier than the basic universal kits I had on hand.
Construction is heat-treated 45 carbon steel, sandblasted for finish, with precision-machined threads and heavy-duty split collars. Amazon rates it 4.5 stars across 101 reviews, and forum reviewers credit the centering cone for letting them drive bearings solo without a second pair of hands.
The kit also includes a heavy-duty blow-molded storage case, dynamic expander assemblies, split driver plates, and extension shaft. The OEM-equivalent spec — Lisle 18000, Performance Tool W89220, SUM-900131 — means replacement parts are widely available.
The honest negatives: aremnry does not include printed instructions, so first-time users need to source a tutorial. A handful of buyers report that the rubber sleeves pull apart under heavy use. If you have rebuilt an engine before, you will figure it out; if you have not, plan on YouTube.
Where the aremnry stands out
The extension centering cone is the upgrade most universal kits skip. For engines with deep cam tunnels (Hemi, modular Ford, big block Chevy), it makes alignment dramatically easier.
Where it falls short
No instructions, occasional sleeve quality issues, and a smaller review base than the Lisle or Orion kits. Solid mid-range option for an experienced home mechanic.
10. LOSTAR SBC Cam Bearing Installation and Removal Tool – The Cheapest Way to Do a SBC Bearing Right
LOSTAR Cam Bearing Installation & Removal Driver Tool Compatible with Chevy SBC Small Block Engine
SBC Chevy specific
High quality materials
One year unlimited mileage warranty
Quick install
Pros
- Very affordable price point
- Easy to use for SBC cam bearing replacement
- Quick and easy installation
- Durable enough for occasional use
- Backed by a 1 year unlimited mileage quality guarantee
Cons
- Does NOT work for LS engines which is the key limitation
- Can mark up bearings slightly during use
- May be difficult to remove from bearing without oiling first
- SBC only compatibility limits versatility
The LOSTAR LSOT00641 is the budget pick on our list and the cheapest path to a properly seated SBC cam bearing. It is a simple, well-made driver rod and centering tip designed exclusively for the Chevy small block family. Backed by a one-year unlimited mileage warranty, it is the kind of tool you can throw in a drawer and pull out a decade from now.
Amazon buyers rate it 4.6 stars across 94 reviews, and reviewers repeatedly note that it keeps the bearing square and seated on the first try. One Vortec 350 owner mentioned he has used the same LOSTAR tool across three engine builds.
The build quality is solid. The rod is heavy enough to drive bearings with controlled taps, and the centering tip is sized correctly for the SBC front bearing. If you oil the rod lightly before driving, the bearing slides off cleanly without scoring.
The two non-negotiables to know about: first, this will not work on any LS engine — the bearing bore diameter is wrong. Second, the tool can leave light marks on bearings if you forget to oil the contact surfaces. Both are minor issues for a budget SBC-only driver.
Why the price is so low
It is a focused, single-platform tool with no case, no expansion system, and no extra adapters. You get exactly what you need to install SBC cam bearings and nothing more.
Who should skip the LOSTAR
Anyone who plans to work on LS, modular Ford, big block, or import engines. The SBC-only design is intentional, and it will not adapt to other families.
How to Choose the Right Cam Bearing Tool for Your Build?
Picking the right camshaft bearing tool comes down to three questions: which engine family you are rebuilding, how often you intend to use the tool, and whether you need a single-purpose or a universal kit. Get those right and you will avoid the most common mistake I see — buying a universal kit that does not have the right adapter for the bearings you actually own. If you are also diagnosing noise issues in your drivetrain, our guide on how to diagnose differential whine versus wheel bearing hum walks through a similar matching process for a different bearing family.
Universal vs engine-specific tools
Universal camshaft bearing tools cover the widest range of engines but require you to swap adapters, pay attention to centering, and often deal with longer shafts that limit visibility. Engine-specific tools — like the Speedway SBC driver, the easchwork LS installer, the Allstar Pontiac-friendly tool, and the LOSTAR SBC driver — are shorter, easier to align, and produce consistent results because the diameters are matched to a single bearing family. If you only ever touch one engine platform, an engine-specific tool is faster and more accurate.
Adapter range and material quality
Look for an adapter range that covers 1.125 inch to at least 2.69 inch if you want universal compatibility. Anything narrower will leave you stuck on big block diesel or large modular V8s. Material quality matters: AISI 1045 medium carbon steel and 45# carbon steel are the gold standard for expander assemblies because they resist cracking under hammer blows. Cheaper cast expanders are the most common failure point I see in Amazon reviews.
Hydraulic vs hammer-driven installation
Most cam bearing tools in this roundup use a hammer-driven expanding driver — you tap the end of the shaft and the bearing slides in. Hydraulic cam bearing installers, like the Bonefied Tools Hydraulic Cam Bearing Tool, push the bearing in with controlled hydraulic force. Hydraulic installation is faster, eliminates bearing distortion, and is the professional shop standard. The trade-off is price — hydraulic installers typically cost several times more than even the best hammer-driven kits. For occasional home use, a hammer-driven kit is more than enough.
Vehicle-specific recommendations
If you are rebuilding a small block Chevy (SBC), pick the Speedway Motors SBC driver or the Allstar Performance ALL96470 — both are purpose-built, short, and accurate. For LS engines (LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, LQ9), the easchwork LS-specific tool is the cleanest install I have tested. For Ford modular V8s, big block Chevy, and import engines, go universal — the Lisle 18000 or the Orion Motor Tech kit will cover you. For diesel work (Cummins, Caterpillar, Mack), look at specialty diesel cam bearing tool sets from Monaco Tool rather than the universal kits here. If you are tracking down related engine sensor issues while the engine is apart, our walkthrough on how to test a crankshaft and camshaft position sensor is a useful companion read.
Common mistakes when installing cam bearings
The biggest mistake I see is hammering the bearing in dry. Light oil on the bearing OD and on the driver contact surfaces lets the bearing slide in evenly and come back off the driver cleanly. The second mistake is failing to align the oil hole in the bearing with the oil hole in the block — every cam bearing has one, and misaligning it will starve your cam of oil. The third mistake is using the wrong adapter diameter and forcing the bearing to stretch or compress. If you feel resistance before the bearing is fully seated, stop, recheck the adapter size, and try again. Last but not least: never install cam bearings with the engine still in the vehicle, and always remove the pistons and crankshaft first to avoid contamination and damage to other components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tool do I need to install cam bearings?
You need a camshaft bearing tool — an expanding driver system that grips the bearing around its full 360 degrees and pushes it into the bore with even force. For most home mechanics, a universal kit such as the Lisle 18000 or the Orion Motor Tech set covers engines from compacts to heavy trucks. If you only ever work on one engine family (SBC, LS, Pontiac), a purpose-built driver like the Speedway Motors SBC tool will be faster and more accurate.
What is the best tool for removing bearings?
For removing cam bearings, an expanding puller that grips the bearing from the inside and draws it out the back of the block is the safest option. The easchwork patented kit bundles LS-specific bearing removal tools alongside its universal adapters, which makes it a strong all-in-one choice. For non-LS engines, the Lisle 18000 or any universal cam bearing tool with a reversing expander will remove bearings without damaging the block.
Should cam bearings be installed dry?
No. Always apply a thin film of assembly oil or engine oil to the outside diameter of the cam bearing and to the driver contact surfaces before installation. A dry bearing tends to grab, tilt, and potentially bell-mouth as it enters the bore. A light oil film lets the bearing slide into place evenly and makes it easier to remove the driver without scoring the bearing surface.
How do you remove camshaft bearings?
To remove cam bearings, mount the engine block on a stand with the cam tunnel accessible, attach the expanding puller to the bearing from the front, and drive or pull the bearing out the rear of the block using a long driver shaft. Reverse the driver direction for the front-most bearing if your tool supports it. Never hammer a bearing out from the rear without supporting it on the inside, or you risk cracking the cam tunnel or damaging the bearing saddle.
Can I use any cam bearing tool for my car?
Not always. Universal cam bearing tools cover most domestic and import engines within their adapter range, but some specialty bearings (large diesel, certain Mopar big blocks, some modular Ford bores) may not match the included adapters. Engine-specific tools only work on their target platform — an SBC driver will not work on an LS engine and vice versa. Always check the adapter range of a universal kit against your specific engine bearing diameters before purchasing.
Final Verdict
After testing 10 of the best camshaft bearing tools against each other, the Lisle 18000 Universal Camshaft Bearing Tool remains our top pick for most home mechanics and serious enthusiasts. The forged expander plug, lifetime warranty, and 1.125 inch to 2.69 inch range cover more engines than any competitor, and the 4.6-star rating across 471 reviews confirms what our own testing showed — this is the universal cam bearing tool that everything else is measured against. If you only rebuild SBC engines, grab the Speedway Motors SBC driver for its unbeatable sight lines. If you live in the LS world, the easchwork LS-specific tool is the fastest install I have ever run.
For budget shoppers, the Orion Motor Tech Cam Bearing Tool Set delivers a 16-piece kit at a price that makes sense for a one-off rebuild. And if you need other engine building tools to round out your shop, our guides to the best bearing puller sets and the best wheel bearing and hub assembly brands are great companion reads. Whichever tool you pick, take your time aligning the bearing oil holes, oil the contact surfaces, and never force a bearing that is not sliding in cleanly. A good cam bearing tool, used with patience, is the difference between an engine that runs for 300,000 miles and one that burns oil before its first oil change.