How can you be sure a water pump is going bad and causing your overheating problem?
Thanks,
tj

 

grinding sound because the bearing is shot and the impeller is rubbing on the casting, which in turn lets coolant seep past the seal and out the weeping hole, located directly below the fan pulley.

so grinding sound, or coolant leaking out the weeping hole are two very sure ways.

you can remove the serpentine belt to relieve tension, and try wiggling the fan with your hand to feel for any play. should be tight.

 

It's not leaking That's what's got me wondering. The shaft is tight. No play at all and turns smooth. The fan clutch seems tight as well with good resistance when hand spun before cranking. After it idles a few min and warms up it starts making a noise but I swear it sounds as if it's coming from power steering pump. I searched this forum earlier and read that if I remove the bottom hose , I may be able to get a glimpse of the impeller. I wish I had read that before I changed the thermostat. I couldn't get anything but pretty green coolant to come out while flushing the system. too. Everything checks out good which keeps me thinking the pump is shot.. I'll drain it again and see if I can get a visual on the impeller before I buy one. Thanks for your thoughts. I'll post the results.