“HEMI tick” describes a sound, not a diagnosis. On some 5.7L HEMI engines, Stellantis bulletins document a cold-start tick from the exhaust-manifold area. Chrysler also documents abnormal ticking caused by collapsed intake hydraulic lash adjusters or excessive intake camshaft and rocker-arm wear. These are different faults with different repairs, so the noise must be reproduced and localized before parts are ordered.
What a HEMI ticking noise can mean
A tick that is loudest around an exhaust manifold during a genuinely cold start can match the symptom described in Stellantis service bulletins for specific vehicles. That does not prove a manifold leak or make a manifold kit appropriate for every HEMI.
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A separate diagnostic path involves the valvetrain: hydraulic lash-adjuster collapse, rocker-arm wear, or abnormal wear on the intake camshaft’s high-lift profile. A sound that continues after warm-up, comes from the top of the engine, or accompanies a misfire or performance change deserves that investigation rather than an automatic exhaust repair.
The reviewed service documents do not establish one universal cause, a failure-rate ranking, a universal severity scale, or a standard repair price.
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- 5.7 HEMI MDS Lifters Camshaft Engine Gasket Kit for Grand Cherokee Charger Challenger 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
- OE Part# Camshaft 53022372AA | MDS Lifters 53021726AD, 53021726AE, 53021726AF, 5038684AA, 5038785AA, 5038785AB, 5038785AC, 68060714AA, 53021726BB, 53021726BC, 5038785AD
- Replacement for Jeep: 2009-2018 Grand Cherokee 5.7L | 2009 2010 Commander 5.7L | Replacement for 2009-2019 Chrysler 300 5.7L
- Replacement for Dodge: 2009-2019 Challenger | 2009-2019 Charger 5.7L | 2011-2019 Durango 5.7L | 2010 2011 Ram 1500 5.7L
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Exhaust-manifold tick: which vehicles have documented coverage?
2019–2024 DT Ram 1500
TSB 09-001-24 REV. C, dated July 13, 2024, covers specified 2019–2024 DT Ram 1500 pickups with listed 5.7L HEMI MDS VVT or eTorque engine applications. It describes a cold-engine ticking noise from the exhaust-manifold location and identifies the exhaust manifold as the cause for that bulletin’s vehicles. The revision directs technicians to current published service information for diagnosis and repair; it should not be treated as a universal or stand-alone repair instruction.
2019–2022 DS Ram 1500, Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee
TSB 09-019-23, dated October 7, 2023, lists specified 2019–2022 DS Ram 1500, Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee applications with 5.7L HEMI engines. It describes a cold exhaust-manifold tick and summarizes replacement with an updated exhaust-manifold kit. Coverage is limited to the applications and engine codes listed in that bulletin.
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- FITMENT: Compatible with 2009 Dodge Durango, 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi V8; Compatible with Chrysler Aspen 2009 5.7L Hemi V8
- REPLACEMENT OE NUMBER: Camshaft# 53022263AF, 53022263AE; MDS Lifters# 53021726AC, 53021726AD, 53021726AE, 53021726AF, 53021726BB, 53021726BC, 5038785AD, 5038684AA, 5038785AA, 5038785AB, 5038785AC; Head Gasket Set# HS26423PT
- IMPROVED PERFORMANCE & RELIABILITY: Upgraded camshaft and lifters help eliminate common MDS-related issues like ticking noise, misfires, and lifter failure—ideal for both stock and modified engines
- HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS: Manufactured to meet or exceed OEM standards, ensuring durability, proper oil flow, and resistance to high temperatures and pressure for long-lasting engine protection
- DIRECT REPLACEMENT, EASY INSTALLATION: Precision-engineered components fit directly into your vehicle’s engine without modifications. Perfect for DIY mechanics and professional installers alike
Earlier diagnostic procedure
TSB 09-011-22 provided historical context for specified 2019–2021 DT Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI vehicles: start the engine cold, listen for a tick that stops as it warms, remove the suspect-side heat shield, and restart cold to listen at the manifold area. That bulletin was later superseded, so current service information for the exact vehicle takes precedence.
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Collapsed intake hydraulic lash adjuster
Chrysler Tech Tip TT9100133 says to check intake hydraulic lash adjusters for collapse before replacing rocker arms for abnormal ticking. If an intake adjuster is collapsed, the tip directs replacement of all intake lash adjusters on the suspect cylinder head without replacing the rocker arms.
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- Includes: Camshaft Kit, 5.7l Exhaust Bolts, Overhaul Kit, 4 Sets of Valve Tappets, Bolt Set, 2 Pairs Of Gloves
- Hemi 5.7 Camshaft Fitment: Chrysler 300 5.7L Engine V8
- Fitment: Camshaft and Lifters for 2009-2015 Dodge Challenger Charger 5.7L Engine V8, 2011-2015 Dodge Durango 5.7L Engine V8
- Fitment: Camshaft Kit for 2009-2010 Jeep Commander 5.7L Engine V8, 2009 - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L Engine V8
- OEM #Part: Camshaft--53022372AA, Valve tappet--53021728AE*2 53021726AE*2, Overhaul Kit--HS26423PT, CR345HS-C, Cylinder Head Bolts--ES72200
Camshaft or rocker-arm wear
The same tip describes a different repair when the intake camshaft or rocker arm has excessive wear on the high-lift profile: replace the intake camshaft in that cylinder head and all intake rocker arms. That is a findings-based repair, not a blanket recommendation for a ticking engine.
Why a hand-feel test can mislead
Tech Tip TT9100614 states that exhaust lash adjusters are designed to be compressible by hand, while intake lash adjusters should feel firm and difficult to compress. A technician should validate adjuster function and then follow the service-manual “HYDRAULIC LIFTER(S) NOISE DIAGNOSIS” procedure. Treating every soft-feeling adjuster as defective can lead to unnecessary parts replacement.
Rank #4
- FITMENT: Compatible with Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Sport Laramie Longhorn ST HFE Rebel Special Service Limited Big Horn Lone Star Tradesman Classic SLT 2011-2020 Hemi 5.7L V8
- REPLACEMENT OE NUMBER: Camshaft# 53022263AF, 53022263AE; MDS Lifters# 5038784AB, 5038784AC, 53021720AB, 53021720AD; Head Gasket Set# HS26423PT; Cylinder Head Bolt-ES72200
- IMPROVED PERFORMANCE & RELIABILITY: Upgraded camshaft and lifters help eliminate common MDS-related issues like ticking noise, misfires, and lifter failure—ideal for both stock and modified engines
- HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS: Manufactured to meet or exceed OEM standards, ensuring durability, proper oil flow, and resistance to high temperatures and pressure for long-lasting engine protection
- INCLUDING: 1 X Camshaft, 1 X 5.7L Exhaust Pipe Bolt, 1 X Overhaul Kit, 4 X Valve Tappets, 1 X Bolt Set, 1 X Oil Seal + Seal Ring, 4 X Water Plugs, 2 Gloves
MDS lifter pin position
Tech Tip TT9100229 warns that an MDS lifter’s disconnecting pin being out of alignment is normal by itself. It specifically says not to replace MDS lifters solely because the pin is not lined up.
How the two main diagnostic paths differ
| Diagnostic axis | Exhaust-manifold path | Valvetrain path |
|---|---|---|
| Typical condition and location | Cold-engine tick localized around the exhaust-manifold area on bulletin-covered applications. | Abnormal ticking evaluated through hydraulic-lifter diagnosis, with attention to intake adjusters, rocker arms and camshaft. |
| Evidence required | Reproduce the noise cold, localize it, inspect the applicable manifold area and hardware, and check current vehicle-specific service information. | Apply the correct lifter-noise procedure; assess adjusters and inspect cam and rocker surfaces for the specified collapse or wear. |
| Possible repair scope | Manifold replacement is described for the listed applications; current instructions may supersede a bulletin. | Depending on findings, intake lash adjusters or the intake camshaft and rocker arms; no blanket replacement. |
| Fitment factors | Platform, model year, engine code, side and current parts revision. | Engine configuration, cylinder head, MDS arrangement and exact part application. |
What to ask a repair shop to check
- Reproduce it from a true cold start. Tell the technician how long the vehicle sat, when the noise begins and whether it changes as coolant temperature rises.
- Localize the loudest point. The exhaust-manifold area and the top-of-engine valvetrain require different inspection paths. Do not rely on a recording alone; sound can travel through the block and shields.
- Verify the exact application. Provide year, make, model, engine code, drive configuration where relevant, mileage and market. Ask the shop to check current service information and bulletin applicability by VIN.
- Inspect the manifold path when indicated. The technician can examine the applicable manifold, fasteners, gasket and surrounding hardware using the current procedure.
- Use the hydraulic-lifter noise diagnosis when the sound points to the valvetrain. Checks should include intake lash-adjuster condition, rocker arms and cam lobes as appropriate.
- Record related symptoms. Mention warning lamps, misfires, rough running, oil-pressure concerns, power loss or a tick that remains after warm-up.
Repair and parts decisions
A vehicle-specific “5.7 HEMI exhaust manifold repair kit” is a legitimate parts category for applications where inspection confirms the manifold path and the applicable service information calls for replacement. Match the exact year, platform, engine code, side and current part revision before buying; a kit is not evidence that the engine’s tick is caused by the manifold.
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- OEM #Part: Camshaft--53022372AA, Valve tappet--53021728AE*2 53021726AE*2, Chain--53022316AC, Overhaul Kit--HS26423PT, CR345HS-C, Cylinder Head Bolts--ES72200
- Hemi 5.7 Camshaft Fitment: Chrysler 300 5.7L Engine V8
- Fitment: Camshaft and Lifters for 2009-2015 Dodge Challenger Charger 5.7L Engine V8, 2011-2015 Dodge Durango 5.7L Engine V8
- Fitment: for 2009-2010 Jeep Commander 5.7L Engine V8, 2009 - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L Engine V8
- Jeep 5.7 Overhaul Includes: Camshaft Kit, 5.7l Exhaust Bolts, Overhaul Kit, 4 Sets of Valve Tappets, Bolt Set, 2 Pairs Of Gloves
Intake lash adjusters, lifters, rocker arms or a camshaft should be selected only after a technician confirms a valvetrain fault and the correct application. Chrysler’s lifter instructions are configuration- and application-specific. For named 2011–2015 5.7L applications, the instructions caution that lifters and retainers are installed as an assembly, reused lifters must return to their original positions, and camshaft lobes should be checked for abnormal wear. Those instructions should not be generalized to every HEMI year.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Calling every HEMI tick “normal.”
- Assuming every cold tick is a broken bolt or an exhaust-manifold leak.
- Ordering lifters, rockers or a camshaft without localizing the noise and confirming the fault.
- Using an older, superseded bulletin instead of current service information.
- Diagnosing an MDS lifter from disconnecting-pin alignment alone.
- Applying a bulletin from one Ram, Durango or Grand Cherokee platform to a different vehicle.
Information needed for a vehicle-specific answer
Before diagnosis, assemble the VIN, market, year, make, model, engine code, mileage, maintenance history, time since the last start, duration of the tick, whether it disappears warm, and any warning lamps or drivability changes. A technician still needs physical inspection to determine the cause, repair, warranty status or recall eligibility.
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