How Freely Should a Water Pump Spin?

[SSTJ]

I've never worked with a water pump before. Just ordered an OEM from WorldPartsDirect. It spins smoothly, but I'm a little surprised by the friction.

Wish I could attach a video. Basically, if I try to spin the impeller by a flick of the wrist (holding unit in one hand, and grabbing with other hand where the pulley wheel would attach) I cannot make it continue to spin more than 1/8 of a turn after I let go.

Should it spin any more freely than this?

 

[Chris]

What you're describing is normal. It shouldn't just spin unendingly. It should have a small amount of friction which is normal given the new seals and bearings.

 

[SSTJ]

Thanks Chris. Uploaded a video here, for what it's worth.

 

[Ashim]

Appears normal for new water pump.

 

[Steel City 06]

Not sure about the TJ's water pump in particular, but some water pumps use hydrodynamic bearings that run on the coolant itself rather than oil or grease. So it may loosen up after some running once the coolant gets pushed into all the crevices.

 

[Bammo68]

My experience with them is that the TJ water pumps have a bit more friction new than most other ones I have fitted. I shared @SSTJ 's concerns when I swapped my last one out but it seems to work just fine.