stupid water pump question

[amaurer]

My water pump is acting fine - no bearing play, no weeping, etc.

However, twice now I've had to drain my coolant to do something and then, when I refill it, the water pump (I think its the water pump) squeals a bit until, presumably, it gets good and wet in there. We're talking 30 seconds or so.

Is this somewhat normal or is it new-waterpump-time?

 

[Coolerman]

Can't imagine the water pump could make that kind of noise if it's not leaking. Did you turn the water pump by hand to see if it was rough feeling? It runs on a huge bearing that is sealed pretty well but the rear seal may be a bit leaky letting a small amount of anti-freeze into it.

The pic below shows this large bearing.

I would guess the squealing was maybe a bit of water/anti-freeze on the belts?