some small amount of water pump play OK?

[BerniniCaCO3]

When I grip the pulley and twist it gently, I can feel it ticking side to side. So there is some small amount of play.
Perfectly normal, or should there truly be NO play in the bearings?

[gadget73]

it won't have zero play. If its not leaking and not making noise, let it be.

[BerniniCaCO3]

cool. Will do so.

[1987cp]

Pretty much. Though at least AutoZone has (or did have) a replacement as cheap as $15. I got that one when one of mine was wobbling horribly, and it seems fine.