Have a 2008 with a bad ticking noise, isolated it to the front of the engine, removed the belt and checked all pulleys, the alternator pulley moves back and forwards about an 1/8". Guessing that's my noise, wondering if someone could see if they have any play in their pulley? I ran the car for 30 seconds with the belt off and the noise was gone so I know it's definetley pulley related. Thanks for any input!!!

 

the oem alternators have a "clutch pulley" meaning it lets the alt free spin when the rpms of the engine drop reducing belt wear and belt noise. could very well be just ticking from wear and I wouldn't think its a problem. ticking noise from the timing cover area is a much bigger issue. timing chain and tensioners etc... good luck

 

Are you sure it's not one of your idler pulleys? I had one go bad on my '06 and it made a noise. I'm guessing if you took the belt off to isolate the alternator you weren't turning the idlers either. Just an idea.

 

For anyone that may have the "ticking" noise, as I stated in my first post, I heard it was coming from the front, removed the belt and checked all pulleys, the only one which was suspicious was my alternator pulley, noise was gone after running without belt, took my alternator to a shop today and it indeed was the clutch pulley, installed a new pulley and she's purring like a kitten again