03 trailblazer water pump

I replaced the fan clutch on my 03 trailblazer. In the process I noticed the water pump had some play/more than I am used to on other cars I have worked on. The motor was cooling fine and no coolant was leaking from the pump before I removed the fan, but there was a lot of "clanking, ticking & heavy vibrations" coming from that area. I know the ticking was definetly from the clutch. Is it normal to have play in the water pump?

A tiny bit of axial play is ok, but radial is bad. I've seen several reports of WP failure on the 4.2's and they all had lots of play. How many miles on your 2003?

Joel

It has about 1/8" of play, and it only has 48K miles

It has about 1/8" of play, and it only has 48K miles
in/out play on waterpums is normal, 1/8" is semi marginal to say the least, if the waterpump has more than a 64th inch of side play the bearing is on the way out ,, rule of thumb that i always follow:
pay a little now or alot later ,, change the pump if there is even a question if it needs changed. if your already "in there" then change the pump and belt as well as the radiator hoses and clamps.
check the power steering pump end play as well as the alternator. look for cracks leaking oil and fluids.
the time saved by doing this now is worth the extra cost later after a pump, belt or failing hose.
i know this seems anal but it has proven to be effective time and time again. how often do you change a clutch plate and not change the pressure plate pilot and throwout bearing, not often even though we all know that the piolt bearing would probably last another clutch or two.

josh