When to replace water pump?

[keithyota]

I'm changing the serpentine belt that broke and noticed the water pump has in /out movement, a little. don't see a leak through weep holes though and that is the condition for which the manual states to replace it.

Is that give normal?

129k miles, 4.0, limited, 4wd.

 

[importman]

I'm changing the serpentine belt that broke and noticed the water pump has in /out movement, a little. don't see a leak through weep holes though and that is the condition for which the manual states to replace it.

Is that give normal?

129k miles, 4.0, limited, 4wd.

I've never actually tried to check the in/out movement of a water pump. I would guess there shouldn't be much though. What I check for is motion up and down. I just grab the fan and try to work it up and down. if there's a noticeable amount of motion I'd change it.

 

[triethylborane]

I've never actually tried to check the in/out movement of a water pump. I would guess there shouldn't be much though. What I check for is motion up and down. I just grab the fan and try to work it up and down. if there's a noticeable amount of motion I'd change it.

This is a good method for determining if the pump needs to be replaced. Axial clearance (play) that is out of spec usually allows for the drive shaft to be moved with enough play so that the holes weep as per the factory manual. Not always, but if there is axial play that visually looks out of spec, definitely agree, replace that sucker.