My car is making a ticking and whining sound?

Tiny
ZUBACD638
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E240
  • 2.6L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
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?
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Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 AT 8:12 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 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.
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Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 AT 1:39 PM
Tiny
ZUBACD638
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
  • 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E240
  • 2.6L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
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?
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Sunday, August 24th, 2025 AT 11:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Any luck on this?
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Sunday, August 24th, 2025 AT 11:17 AM

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