I have an 03 Durango with a 4.7, 167K. There's a constant ticking/tapping noise from the front of the engine. I've removed the acc belt and the noise goes away. I wrenched for a living a while back and suspect water pump, based on what I heard with a stethoscope while the belt was installed, certainly with this mileage and original WP it's reasonable. BUT- I wrenched on imports, very little time on any small block V8. So my question is, are these things known for anything less obvious, fan clutch, or P/S Pump. P/s Pump pulley has a fair amount of in and out movement but is not noisey under the stethoscope. I just don't want to make the wrong repair. Any help much appreciated.

 

Usually with the stethoscope I am able to 100% verify where the noise is coming from, I don't know about you. I've never had a problem isolating pulley noise with one...

No there is nothing out of the ordinary on the 4.7 that is known for going out and making a noise. Usually when the fan clutch goes out it either makes a roaring noise or overheats, not make a tapping noise.

If the P/S pulley has play but doesn't make any noise, I'd still replace the pulley because this is not a safe circumstance with a pulley having play in it. The water pump, with that mileage, can more than likely be the case, especially if it has never had the coolant flushed?

 

Or the Fan clutch practically comes apart and causes the fan to cut yur belt and radiator hoses and makes you limp it to a garage. I understand the HD clutch but DANG is that thing friggin LOUD!

 

Is it go away after a minute or so? I ask because my 4.7 does that and Ive read a few posts on here that do the same. Its said its pretty common among the 4.7s. But if it stays the entire time, yea it might be something else.