I tightened a crank bolt too much once and got a sharp (but not loud) ping when I pedaled hard enough. It took me a long while to figure it out. Fortunately I hadn't done permanent damage; taking the crank arms off and putting them back on, careful not to over-tighten, eliminated the ping.

The best way to test any part is to replace it. I keep an old one that's probably still good around. Even an old one that's not good, but doesn't have the same symptom, can be used to test.