How much does a new & used EGR valve cost ?

The EGR valve is an ingenious device that collects exhaust gases from combustion and injects them back into the intake system. Its purpose ? To drastically reduce the polluting particles emitted by (mainly) diesel-powered cars. Over time, this valve often becomes clogged and needs replacing. If you're currently reading this page, it's probably because your car's EGR valve has just given up the ghost and you're looking for a new part, at the best price.

When should the EGR valve be replaced ?

Diagnosing an EGR valve at the end of its life is not an easy task. A number of symptoms are similar to those of a clogged diesel particulate filter... Let's start by determining why the EGR valve (for Exhaust Gas Recirculation) is wearing out. This device is activated when a diesel engine is running at low revs or idling. The exhaust gases are collected at the engine outlet and then injected a second time into the engine, using an ingenious valve system. This system burns the gases twice, destroying a large proportion of them. However, this generates small residues that can agglomerate in the injection system until they completely block the EGR valve. Over time, this can clog the injectors, destroy the intake and choke the engine..

More generally, if you notice a loss of power, black smoke in the exhaust, an anti-pollution warning light on the dashboard or pollutant emissions above the normal level, it's advisable to have your car checked. The DPFS may be clogged or the EGR valve may be faulty. If this is the case, it should be replaced as soon as possible.

The two types of EGR valve

You should also be aware that there are two types of EGR valve on the market. Pneumatic EGR valves have an electrically-operated mobile flap that opens or closes when a vacuum is detected in the system, sometimes with the support of a pressure converter to manage the flow .Electric EGR valvesare controlled by an ECU. Depending on engine speed, they allow more or less exhaust gas into the combustion chamber. It's essential that you keep the same type of EGR valve on your car. The two are quite different in appearance. The electric model is made up of two modules, for example, with an upper part for the pneumatic controls and a lower part for the electrical side. If in doubt, don't hesitate to ask a professional mechanic for advice. Many online car parts shops allow you to find parts compatible with your car simply by entering its registration number. However, it's a good idea to check before you order !

The price of a new EGR valve

On average, you should expect to pay between €100 and €200 for a new EGR valve for your car. However, you also need to include the labour involved in the replacement. The operation requires work to be carried out under the bonnet. The EGR valve is usually located on the top of the engine, near the intake manifold. You therefore need to remove the engine cover, disconnect the valve, remove the seals, loosen the various screws and then repeat the operation in the opposite direction after positioning the new EGR valve. The time taken to complete this task may vary depending on the type of vehicle. On some car models, everything is relatively accessible. On others, less accessibility means more parts need to be dismantled. The time required can therefore range from 30 minutes to two hours. If we include labour in addition to the part, we can deduce that the price of replacing an EGR valve can vary between €150 and €650. That's a very wide range !

The price of a used EGR valve

Second-hand spare parts are much more highly valued than in the past, thanks in particular to the PIEC (parts from the circular economy) label, which encourages the re-use of certain well-targeted parts. EGR valves are one such part, making them easier to find. However, it is very difficult to determine the cost of this part on the second-hand market. In some cases, it can be as little as €15 for the most basic models, and as much as €75 in general. To this must be added the cost of labour, which is incompressible and depends on the garage (or dealership) that fits the part. Given that labour is generally more expensive than parts, a second-hand EGR valve is not necessarily more attractive from a financial point of view. Choosing a second-hand valve is therefore mainly an ecological decision, as it allows you to reuse a part. Make sure that the second-hand EGR valve you choose has been thoroughly cleaned to ensure that it lasts as long as possible.

The risks of a second-hand EGR valve

Above all, if you choose to buy a second-hand EGR valve, make sure that the seller is a professional who will recondition the part to its original condition. As you will have realised, the main risk of wear comes from dirt. The valve therefore needs to be cleaned of any deposits that could shorten its life. You'll never really know how many kilometres the EGR valve has been running, but that's not a big deal. A diesel car with a lot of mileage that has been driven mainly on the motorway will probably have an EGR valve in much better condition than a car used for urban driving. So choosing a second-hand EGR valve always involves a small element of risk.

Conclusion

Now you know all about the cost of an EGR valve. It's worth noting that the cost varies considerably depending on the type of valve and also on your car, as labour is often the biggest expense. The best thing to do is to ensure that your car is running smoothly, by limiting under-revving. This will protect not only the EGR valve, but also the catalytic converter and the diesel particulate filter.

Karolina Osinska / Author: gargantiopa / Licence ID: VF9XYSLJ2U - elements.envato.com