Water Pump shaft end play

[rotorwrench]

The collar can be installed without removing the pump. The fan has to come off though. This can require removing the radiator.

I'd loosen the belt so that the fan can be turned and end play checked. There is a casting protrusion inside the cylinder head that stops the movement of the shaft but they can wear down so much that the movement is excessive. The bearings can be felt for looseness in the front bearing or the rear bushing while doing the other checks. If it turns free with little or no shake and it doesn't leak water then the end play collar is likely all that would be needed.