Thanksgiving greetings to all,

I have an '86 300E. The water pump (original, with 155,000 miles) is getting noisy. I could hear a 'rattley bearing noise' from the front of the engine. Using a mechanic's stethoscope, I checked all the bearings which run off of the serpentine belt. All were quiet except for the water pump. So far the pump hasn't started leaking but it seems to be getting louder slowly.

My question is how likely is the pump going to last until the Spring and warmer weather? I have studied the procedure for replacing the pump and I think I could do it. The problem is I'd have to work in the driveway and it is getting a bit cold and wet now that winter has arrived here in Oregon. I know it is still much milder than back East but still nor very nice to work in at my age.

The Alldata site lists 5.5 hour labor for this job which would be pretty expensive. If the job can wait until Spring, I'd rather do that, keeping in mind I'd monitor the coolant level and the bearing noise regularly.

Your opinions and experience are appreciated.

Coming Attractions:
I just finished improving my dash lighting with LEDs and I can actually read every thing in the dash at night. I'll post with photos as soon as I figure how to do that.

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1986 300E
1993 Volvo 940 Wagon
1984 Volvo 240 (daughter's)
1976 Dodge 1/2T pickup, gas hog