1995 Toyota Corolla Noise from passenger's side.

I noticed couple days ago a ticking noise (like a broken belt hitting on plastic or something) coming off from the engine, opened the hood and didn't notice anything obvious, just on the left hand side there are a bunch of gears and belts (by the alternator) and they look good, rips or damaged apparently. On that same side, I think there's the timing belt cover box, the noise was coming off from there, I couldn't see it since it's covered.

This morning when starting the car, the noise was a little stronger, I let it warm up for a few minutes, and while driving, the battery icon lighted up on the dash board, I turn right away but the steering wheel got hard to maneuver (harder than usual), but I still could turn, as driving back home the battery light just kept coming on and off.

Please give me ahint on what this could be?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Vince