Is it true that if you turn the fan blades that there should not be easy play. I have a coolant leak, changed out the hoses, but still has a leak. Coming from or around the water pump. When i turn the fan it's easy turning back and forth. Any help would be appreciated. Should I replace the thermostat when I replace the water pump?

 

 

Look underneath the water pump - just behind the pulley - there is a small hole in the bottom of the pump - most of the time a bad water pump will leak coolant out of this hole. If not your water pump gasket could be leaking or maybe the timing cover gasket (depending on what engine you have). I would change the thermostat while your at it - it's cheap insurance.

You can't really tell the condition of water pump bearings by how easy the pump spins (unless it is difficult to spin). The bearings are checked by grabbing each side of the fan and shacking it back and forth - bad bearings will cause the water pump shaft to "rock" back and forth in the housing.

Hope you find your leak!!

Carl