How do you tell if the water pump on 97 Chrysler LHS is not working?

1. Most, if not all, water pumps have a 'weep' hole that allows water to leak out when the shaft bearing becomes worn. This hole is generally located at the top of the water pump where the shaft passes out to the fan. If water is leaking out then replace the water pump. 2. A definite loud squealing coming directly from the water pump shaft area is an 'indicator' that the pump is going bad. The squealing is caused by the rotating shaft creating friction against the shaft bearing - something that should not be occuring. If you are just using water in your system then you may be able to prolong the life of the pump by adding the correct amount of anti-freeze. 3. The water pump has vanes (fins) that move the water in the desired direction. I have seen them corroded away - not a common occurance. You can remove the radiator cap on a COLD engine and then start the engine (make sure the removed cap will not become a missle by dropping to the fan). When the engine warms to operating temperature the water thermostat will open permitting the moderate flow of water from the engine and through the radiator. Usually you can see this flow past the radiator cap hole. If the hole is to the side of the radiator you may not see the flow but will be able to feel the warmer, and soon to be hot, water by briefly touching the outside of the radiator tank. (Keep hands and other objects away from the fan!!!) If the flow is not visibly pronounced it may be a sign of worn/corroded vanes. The only real way of telling for sure is to remove the water pump and look. Again, this is not a common occurance. 4. An over-heating engine may be caused by a stuck water thermostat or even an old (usually lower) radiator hose that is collapsing. Some of these hoses come with a spiral of metal, that looks like a spring, that runs along the inside to prvent the collapse.