Weird clicking noise

[03marauderman]

My 03 Marauder with 36k miles developed a weird noise which sounds like a piece of the serpentine belt slapping against a metal object. Also its intermittent, does not do it all the time, but more so than not ??? What the heck it it???

[BAD MERC]

Does it increase with vehicle speed or engine speed? Does it do it when cold or hot? I'd remove the belt and check all accessories by hand for smoothness.

[Grimrepairman]

My tensioner pulley had play in it which allowed the belt to walk and intermittently touch the timing cover.
Try taking the belt off and starting it.

[Pat]

"clicking" is sometimes associated with a bearing failure in a front suspension or steering component, in my experience. Need a second person under car to help isolate the source(s). Not too difficult. Found mine, different components.

[03marauderman]

I should have been more specific in my explanation...This noise is heard at an idle, as well as driving..so being at an idle I would rule out any suspension or steering component. The RPM of the engine does not change the pitch or characteristic of the sound...At first I thought it was the metal shield or spot welded tag loose on the exhaust system, but all looks good under there. There's no evidence of loose or rubbing externally, almost sounds internal ????

[Grimrepairman]

Cracked flex plate?
Hard to say without hearing it.

[RubberCtyRauder]

if you have a smart phone, you should be able to record a sound clip/movie and post if you can. cracked flex plate is a possibility

[03marauderman]

Wow...That's drastic if it is....but why would it be intermittent? In any case I'll have to get it up on the lift & pull the inspection cover off hopefully I can see something.....Thanks

[GetMeMyStogie]

Cracked cooling fan blade. Just happened to me yesterday. Super loud, runs for about 10 seconds, then you hear it slow down and stop for about 30 seconds. Repeats indefinitely. Engine runs hot after a few minutes.

[03marauderman]

Ahhh - Cracked flex plate is a disaster...What made it flex beyond its limitations to crack? - Too much crankshaft thrust? - Transmission pump?? Right now just sharp shooting, won't know until I'm able to get it on a lift....I stopped twisting wrenching years ago, but as I recall replacing the flex plate on any vehicle did not correct the problem....

[RubberCtyRauder]

cracked fan blade at hub is where i would check first,

[03marauderman]

For sure...fan, tensioner, all that easy stuff...Thanks

[RF Overlord]

Imma vote for fan blade as well. It's the only thing that makes since due to your statement that "the RPM of the engine does not change the pitch or characteristic of the sound."

Had the fan blade in The Blackbird crack while I was replacing some hoses...sounded just like a rod knock and I panicked and shut the car off. When the sound continued, and started slowing down gradually after the engine was stopped, my heart started beating again and I was able to localise it to the fan.

[fastblackmerc]

When the engine is cold start the car then turn on the A/C (the fan should come on) if the clicking starts the fan is the culprit.

You can also just take out the fan assembly to check it out, 2 bolts, 1 electrical connector and lift it out.

[03marauderman]

You guys are great with the simple diagnoses....its been a while now, but something made me look at the exhaust shields drawing me under the car rather than the front. It will be another week or so before I can get to it....I got a smart phone but cannot record or up load...sounds. I guess that's why I have a Marauder, not a Civic SI or some kind of rice rocket Subaru or Evo.... Geriatrics High performance !