Can anyone guess why my water pump is whining?

After draining the coolant from both the radiator and engine block and filling it through the radiator, I'm getting this whine.
Only thing I can think of is that coolant didn't fill all the way so the pump was started "dry", but the car is parked at an incline with the front higher so I thought with the radiator neck at the highest point that wouldn't happen.
I also thought it might have been the belt so I got a new one and there was no difference. It drives fine up and down the highway, just the whine won't go away.

This morning I took the fan and belt off to check the pulleys. Water pump has a little play but spins okay.
26 second video:

The water pump is a Beck Arnley reman that's been on the engine since I rebuilt it 4 years ago.

Hose side story:
Bought Dayco upper and lower hose from RockAuto months ago, but didn't fit. I thought it was a length issue but cutting them down didn't work.
So I went to the parts store for a pair from Gates but only the lower one fit. That was irritating.

 

 

It's either the water pump or alternator since there's no air pump or AC compressor.

I don't have a screwdriver long enough, but used a 20" long 1/2" socket extension. From the alternator I get a steady whirring noise, water pump is similar but much quieter.
So maybe the alternator?

I should also add the whining noise doesn't start until about 20-30 seconds after starting the car.

 

That is a good amount of play in the wp. I'd start with the water pump first.


I would try to take the load off of the alternator before buying/installing a new alternator. Just unplug the wires to the alternator while the car is running. If the sound changes or goes away then you've isolated it.


RA prices WP at like $15 iirc. So if you replace it you've only lost $15 and an hour of life

 

No difference in sound after unplugging the alternator. Looks like I'm going after the pump.

 

You would want to remove the belt to isolate bearing noise, not just unplug the connector. However since the alternator and water pump are driven by the same belt, you will have to check the noise using a stethoscope or the long screwdriver method as mentioned above. Have you spun the alternator by hand with the belt off? They like to squeak when spun by hand when the bearing is failing.

 

In the video the belt is off and I give both pulleys a wiggle and a spin. Alternator is tight and spins smoothly. Water pump spins smoothly but has noticeable play.
I couldn't tell much listening with a long socket extension.

 

SOLVED

I replaced the water pump and there's no more whining.

 

Thank you for following up. Glad you got the issue resolved. Guess the water pump bearing was just on its way out.