Noticed a bit of play in water pump pulley when trying to track down a noise. This was a GMB made in japan unit, maybe 10-12k miles on it. I replaced it with a napa unit (said made in canada on it, casting marks aren't the same so it does appear to be a different unit not just a same thing different box rebadge job). I notice the same play.

Its not a radial play or wobble, but more of an in/out movement. Don't need incredible force to feel it either, just pinch the fan between two fingers, ease it forward/backward and you can feel it and see the pulley move as well. Is this normal, or did I just get bad luck with the new pump?

H'mm. I think you're having bad luck...I can't remember ever experiencing this axial play you're talking about, but I surely don't like the sound of it! How much play are we talking about here?

_________________
一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Maybe 1/32 guestimating? I didn't put a gauge on it. You can also feel it, like its not a smooth in and out it feels like something is hitting a step or falling into a notch, if that makes sense. The new one had less play then the old - I replaced because I was afraid of loosing a radiator too. It spins freely by hand w/o any noise.

Try tightening the fan bolts to the water pump?

Kevin

_________________

They get any tighter the threads will strip

Next time you have the hood open try it - pinch the fan between two fingers and push forward and back, while watching the pulley carefully and feeling for any play.