The noise might be due to a problem with the electrical or mechanical parts of the fuel pump. Fuel pumps are made to put out fuel at certain pressures, which can be different for each vehicle and typically range from somewhere between 30 to 80 psi. If you hear a clicking noise from the pump, it is probably because the pump cannot handle this pressure.
A common cause of this clicking could be a degraded relay. The fuel pump relay switches on the electric power to the pump, and if it is beginning to go bad, it may produce a sporadic flow of electricity, resulting in he clicking sound as the pump continuously tries to switch on and off again. According to a Consumer Reports report in 2020, electrical failures cause about 25% of fuel pump problems. In this instance simply changing the relay can rectify the problem without having to fit a new pump.
Clicking noise could also be due to the air in the fuel lines. Air pockets can interfere with the flow of fuel, where in the pump has to work harder and some abnormal sounds are created. This is typical after fuel system repairs or modifications may have occurred, and bleeding the fuel lines usually solves the intake issue.
Clicking sounds may also be caused by contamination or a blockage in the fuel filter, or lines. If the pump has to ‘work too hard,’ as a result of restrictions caused by debris, it may start making unusual noises while it fights to maintain proper pressure. In worse cases, simply changing the filter will return normal function. The worst case is about 10 percent of fuel pump problems are issues like clogged filters or put something into a tank.
Clicking Along: Another common reason for the sound is a failing fuel pump, typically caused by worn internals. Mechanical noise due to wear and tear on the pump's gears or bearings over time. Fuel pumps tend to last up to 100,000 miles before they need to be replaced, so a clicking noise may mean that their service life is coming to an end. In this case, if the pump dies completely, it will fix the problem without causing other issues such as stalling or lessening your gas mileage like an aging pump might.
Noted car enthusiast Jay Leno once quipped, “In cars, it's the little things that make a difference.” Fixing small problems—such as clicking noises when your vehicle turns over—can prevent significant mechanical failure in your fuel pump, saving you money and headaches down the road.
The fuel pump clicking, it must be diagnosed early to prevent further issues. The thing is upon a detailed down of the electrical system, fuel lines, and tank it can be diagnosed. If you are in need of a fuel pump replacement, go for a top-quality Fuel Pump to restore your vehicle's peak performance.