pond pump humming, but water keeps flowing

Question

I have a pond pump TidalWave PAF-25SV which started humming very loud, although it keeps on pumping water as before.

So I took it out of the basket, removed the intake screen, cleaned up any debris (not much though). From there I can observe the impeller, and it does not seem to be clogged with anything. I can't really access the impeller, as it is covered with chamber, but I can rotate it with a screwdriver. It does rotate, however not very easily (not sure how easy it has to rotate?), so I'm wondering if this is a impeller bearing issue? If so, does it mean it can't be replaced, and the whole pump needs to be replaced?
Thanks.

Ed Beal · Accepted Answer

Pump motors usually spin fairly easily. My guess is the bearing seals have failed and the extra drag is causing the motor to buzz or hum.
It is possible you can disable and get to the bearings on the shaft. It is normally the output shaft bearing that fails.
A high quality double sealed bearing for a small pump like that will normally be only a few dollars, and you do want a type ZZ or 2RS with most brand  zz= double sealed 2RS is 2 rubber seal , so look for a number like 188zz or 608-2RS  these are examples of the 2 smallest motor bearings I have on the shelf that I use in motor applications both are well under 1$ each and I usually purchase 10 at a time because they are cheaper but you want the rubber sealed.
Be careful on disassembly as there may be a seal just like an oil seal on a car crank shaft that is usually able to be re used if careful.
But it’s well worth it to repair a nice motor for 2$  and an hours time that may save over 100$.

pond pump humming, but water keeps flowing

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