Does it leak? Also remove the belt and repeat the wiggle test again. You
could put a long screw driver on the area of the bearing and use it like a
stephascope. I broke down and bought one, very handy.

Joe

----- Original Message -----
From: "Vanagon Man" <VGONMAN@MSN.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2002 7:34 AM
Subject: how to tell if water pump bearings are going.....

Volks,

I am new to the 2.1L scene, and as many know, just got my 1988 on the road
:) Previous owner told me that one of the mechanics told him "the bearings
were going bad in the water pump" ....Now i did the pulley test, where you
grab the pump pulley and see if there is any play, and none was
apparrent..................do not know how reliable this info is, but intend
to take the van on a 500 mile trip next weekend and would rather test
further than take a chance.............

Adam P

81 Vanagon Westy (The Brick)
70 Single Cab "Whitey" (finally on the road)
74 Beetle "Ol Yeller"
73 Transporter (STILL at paint shop)

1984 Partsmobile (for sale)
1982 Westy (for sale)
Used Vanagon Parts for sale (mostly aircooled)