It looks as if I have a coolant leak around the water pump. I am about to remove the fan, air pump, alternator to get a closer look.

I'm thinking that if it comes off, for any reason, it's getting replaced.

All advice would be appreciated

 

Well I pulled it off and I can see what appears to be the source of my leak:
.
.

.
.
So it looks like I'm looking at a pump for $56 and a gasket for $10 and 2 shims for $2.

http://www.mazdatrix.com/b9wpumps.htm

Funny thing is that there is not gasket or shims on it right now???

Also, shouldn't I be able to get it to free spin one rotation by hand, or is it suppose to require the smallest effort to keep it going?

 

That's the weep hole, pump is toast. Indicates the bearing/seal is going/gone.

 

Thanks a bunch, it's nice to get my diagnosis confirmed.

I'll be going to the parts store tomorrow for a replacement

 

just remember that the nuts/bolts holding it on the pump body are only torqued to about 15 ft/lbs (ie, not very tight). I run a thin bead of plain old axle grease on BOTH sides of the gasket before mating the pump to the body. Makes for a nice water seal and also a BREEZE to pull the old gasket off should you need to replace the pump in the future...
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

Interesting thing is that there was no gasket when I pulled it off. But I'm getting one when I get the new pump.