My car is making a ticking and whining sound?

2003 MERCEDES BENZ E240
140,000 MILES • 2.6L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I think I know what the whining sound is I think it’s the A/C compressor pulley. My car uses the Denso clutch less pulley, and I heard that they are prone to making noise after the bearings go. I also tried to wobble it, and it does have some play.

About the ticking noise, I’m thinking: could it be the harmonic balancer? It sounds a bit like it’s coming from there somewhere, and it has play to it. So I’m asking: could the harmonic balancer be causing the ticking noise?
Aug 20, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Thanks for the video, it helps, yes the AC compressor pulley can make this sounds when the bearing goes out, to me it sounds like a serpentine belt tensioner. I would remove the belt and start the engine to make sure the noise goes away, this will tell us the noise is not coming from inside the engine. Do not let is run more than 1 minute without the belt on it. If the noise goes away shut off the engine and spin the pulleys to you find the one making the noise are if it has excessive play. If the harmonic balancer is coming apart it will make noise as well, so use flashlight to check the rubber insulator is in good shape and that the outer ring is secure. Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.
Aug 20, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Avatar
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
My car is making a ticking and whining sound. I think I know what the whining sound is — I think it’s the AC compressor pulley. My car uses the Denso clutchless pulley, and I heard that they are prone to making noise after the bearings go. I also tried to wobble it, and it does have some play.

About the ticking noise, I’m thinking: could it be the harmonic balancer? It sounds a bit like it’s coming from there somewhere, and it has play to it. So I’m asking: could the harmonic balancer be causing the ticking noise?
Aug 24, 2025 at 11:17 AM (Merged)
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Any luck on this?
Aug 24, 2025 at 11:17 AM