Water Pump Bearings or WP Pulley?
 

2005 Dodge Grand Caravan. Last week, I noticed that my belt was squealing and I could hear a grinding noise. Knew it had to be 1. the belt or 2. one of the pulleys bearings. So I removed the belt..inspected...looks like it could be replaced but checked pulleys. All pulleys turn smooth except the WP pulley. It has play and it is hard to turn and makes noise. I don't think the pulley has bearings. Right?
So are the WP bearings going bad? There is no leaking from weep hole and water temp. is good.
Does the WP pulley go bad? All the auto parts store don't have them. I can order it but it will take a couple days to get.

I have already planned a trip to SC this weekend.

Is it fine to ride out for week, then replace when I get back from SC

Patrick

I would try replacing the belt first. And take a look at the idler pulley or tensioner.

I do plan on replacing belt but knowing that the WP pulley doesn't turn well, in fact kind of hard to turn and makes noise is not normal...all the other pulleys turn easy and no noise.
Wouldn't there be an issue with the water pump if the pulley isn't turning easy?

Then I would replace the water pump at the same time as the fan belt.

I agree if it hard to turn then it seizing. you have issues with overheating? gauge go up?