Loud clicking noise on idle

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 29 Dec 2023, 23:05

Sometimes my Volvo makes a loud repetative clicking noise when idling. It seems to do it more when I have just started it up. If I rev it while stationary, the noise goes away above 1k rpm.

It also seems to get worse when the a/c compressor is running. Sometimes the noise cycles with the A/C. Other times I can hear it with the A/C off and, turning it on makes it worse. The A/C works well after I did the zip-tie/bread clip trick.

I also hear a similar, but non-repeating crack noise when pushing down on the passenger side (as if I were testing the suspension), but that could be a different issue.

With the belt cover off all of the pulleys look fine even when the noise is occurring.

Here are some videos that show the sound.


IMG_1091.mp4: (1.96 MiB) Downloaded 271 times

In this video, the noise stops when the A/C stops cycling.


IMG_1173.mp4: (1.02 MiB) Downloaded 198 times

What could this be? A failing A/C compressor? It has been doing this for a while.

dikidera · Post by **dikidera** » 29 Dec 2023, 23:35

Try pouring a bit of of water on the serpentine belt and see if it stops temporarily.

Post by **vtl** » 30 Dec 2023, 08:55

Stethoscope or long screwdriver on VVT solenoids and listen. Also look at t-belt and serpentine belt tensioners, they shouldn't jerk violently. T-belt's one is a bit more agile, though.

gavolvoman · Post by **gavolvoman** » 08 Nov 2025, 00:28

@02V70 Did you ever find out what caused the ticking noise? My Volvo is doing the same thing. 2009 Volvo S60.

Post by **cn90** » 08 Nov 2025, 08:22

- I'd stop driving the car if I hear that noise, then
- Check service records, then
- Check every single pulley involved by removing the belt(s)....
- PS pulley, Alt pulley, AC compressor pulley, tensioner pulley
- For the TB area: both pulleys, WP pulley

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 10 Nov 2025, 11:53

gavolvoman wrote: ↑08 Nov 2025, 00:28 @02V70 Did you ever find out what caused the ticking noise? My Volvo is doing the same thing. 2009 Volvo S60.

Yes, It was the belt tensioner. I have no idea why it was making that noise, but replacing it and the pulley that was on it fixed the issue. I noticed the pulley on the original tensioner was not rotating smoothly, so I replaced it, but it did not fully solve it until i replaced the tensioner.