So I acquired a 1992 Laredo last year that needed some TLC. I replaced the leaking radiator and water pump about 6 months ago. The water pump was a brand new Hesco high flow water pump.

Ever since I installed it, I have been battling a small coolant leak that forms on my lower radiator hose. At first I thought it was the weep hole, but after further investigating I found that it was caused by a bad hose in combination with a cheap clamp. I could squeeze the lower rad. hose and watch the coolant come out around the edges. So as I'm taking off the old hose and draining the coolant, I spin the water pump to help get the last bit of water out, but when I did, it made a squeaking noise at first and then spun quietly. I took of the water pump to further investigate and it still makes a squeaking noise. There is no play that I can feel in the bearing or water pump at all. Just the noise. So my question is, does this mean my water pump is on its way out?

Here's a video of the noise:

 

If the water pump is off the engine and in your hand just toss it & replace it.

 

I would if it were a cheap one, but I paid quite a bit of money for this hesco unit (as they were supposed to be the best) and I don't want to throw it away because it "might" be bad

 

squeaking is caused by unlubricated movement, either the impeller is rubbing on the housing, or the bearing is taking a crap.