Fuel Pump Noise?

[scoostraw]

Car is an '89 Mercury Cougar. It has been in the family since new. 76,000 original miles. Runs and drives great.

About 2 weeks ago the fuel pump steady "hum" changed to an irregular sound - sort of a "gargle" type of noise. Car still runs fine. To be safe, yesterday I replaced the fuel filter to make sure it wasn't restricted - making the pump work harder than normal. Nothing changed.

My question is... does this new noise characteristic mean anything at all? I know fuel pumps can sometimes make noise for years and keep running just fine. I just thought I'd check here to see if anyone has had any experience with the Ford pumps. And if I end up replacing it, are there brands to avoid? Are the NAPA pumps ok?

Thanks..

[overl0rd]

Napa pumps are alright, but you can get an pump of equal quality somewhere else cheaper. I wouldn't worry about the noise just yet, when the pump goes it goes.