noisy water pump at idle

[valkyt6]

hi all
my valk at idle has a rattle that seems to be coming from the water pump area and can be felt when you grab hold of the water pump.
can someone confirm this if it is normal, the drive for the pump is a blade and fork type drive is it possible the noise is coming from there.
need some feedback before I pull it down 
regards greg
red and cream 97 tourer darksided

[Robert]

I think this is the first case of a water pump failure that I have heard of if its correct. It sounds likely you have already narrowed the field by checking to see if it could be the timing belt tensioners which I have heard more of a problem with than the water pump. Since they are directly above the pump it may be a bit hard to isolate the noise. But the pump is easy to come out and you can see if its leaking coolant by a inspection hole that I think is in the bottom. I cannot remember if oil will come out when you take the pump out but I don't think so and if you take it out you can spin it by hand to see if there is any coarseness or noise. Below is the Honda Direct Line link for the water pump.
http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/stores/product.asp?pid=1102&str=2&ID=372700269

[sandy]

The oil will pour all over you unless you drain it first. I feel the noise is from the cam timing belt tensioners. Check them first.