Ticking from power steering pump?

[PlanZero]

I rarely drive my 97 Tsi awd, and the last few times I did I thought I was just hearing lifter tick, but unlike lifter tick the sound did not go away after warm up. The sound only happens under load or when I tap the throttle, and as far as I can tell it's coming from the PS pump, or possibly alternator. Does this even make sense? It's hard as hell to narrow down the source, but the fact it doesn't happen at idle and increases with rpm makes me think its one of these two. Its not coming from the timing belt area, or tensioner, and there's no sign of belts rubbing or wobbly pulleys.

 

[fastfred]

Take the belt of and see if it goes away.

 

[darkgant]

Does the noise increase when you turn the steering wheel from lock to lock??

 

[PlanZero]

Nvm I'm an idiot. It's an exhaust leak from the stud under the engine hanger.I went to double check the tightness of my studs and that one basically just fell off.

 

[darkgant]

.....that's good news ..a simple fix