White smoke from passenger side vent

[flat6pilot]

Just as I was pulling into my driveway, I heard a rough grinding or gurgling type sound coming from the motor area and white smoke on the passenger side.

Immediately shut the engine off, and white smoke was steaming out of the right exterior vent. Oddly it didn't have that sweet coolant smell, just a faint burning, and caused condensation on the rear fender.

No warning lights and no visible leaks. Coincidentally thought I had heard an electric motor type sound running out of place from the right rear when I first set off on the drive. Otherwise just had my AC recharged, but that's the only recent work.

My initial guess is water pump, it's original, but am nervous about restarting the car (dealer is 1 mile away). I'm not sure how to proceed, any ideas?

Car is a 1999 2.5 with 98k.