[heymanwatchthis]

I have done a lot of research here and other places regarding water pumps, however cannot find guidance on what I think is early indication of water pump failure.

My '01 986S has developed a sound over the past couple of weeks that has increased intensity, is a constant whirr that follows rpm. Sounds sort of like very noisy tires (not the cause as the sound goes away when coasting).

Sound seems to come from passenger side front area of engine. I suspected something associated with the serpentine belt, so I checked it out.

All the pulleys seem good, except the water pump has some play in it. When I grab the pulley and yank it back and forth, there is a little knocking sound and it seems to move about .5mm (swag). No leaks that I can see.

Is some play allowable in a water pump at the pulley, or should it be completely tight?

Much appreciated!

Gary