99 RR 4.0 w/ about 123k. top end rebuild at about 100k. yesterday, when i started the old girl i thought there were some leaves or something in the fan behind the radiator so i took the shroud off and there was nothing but the clicking noise persisted. when i revved the engine the noise dissipated a little but, when i backed up and turned left, the noise came back. of course i couldn't hear it while driving but, after arriving at my destination and letting it sit for about 45 minutes, it did it again. everything looks okay, i.e., oil pressure good, no problem with power steering, tranny, etc. seems to get worse when i turn so i'm wondering if it's the ps pump or possibly the water pump. any ideas/thoughts appreciated.

 

Remove your serpentine belt, idle the engine and see if the noise is still there.

 

ended up being the water pump. took the shroud off and there were small nicks in the fan from the water pump shaft which was beginning to extrude. bummer.

 

At least you caught it before the fan ate your radiator.