My '78 Mercury Zepher's water pump is making a 'whinning' noise,however,when I grab a handfull of fan 'an move it back 'an forth,I get little if any movement,so,that tells me that the 'pump's bearing isin't shot. I have checked out the power steering & air/smog pumps while the engine is running(although that PS pulley is a bit woobly........most of these cars that I've seen DO have this problem/quirk......)and I can pinpoint the noise...... and it IS the W-Pump. Bottom line:---I have a new replacement. And yes,I did top off the radiator while I was checking,and the 'noise' hasen't gone away. No real worries though........I don't plan on driving the car everyday 8) . OO6./The-X-Or-Six!