Listen for the screech — that's the bearing going bad.

Yes, a loud screeching or grinding noise is the clearest sign your pool pump motor bearing is failing.

When a bearing starts to go, it’s not subtle. You’ll hear a high-pitched squeal at startup or a constant grinding sound while running. Sometimes it sounds like metal-on-metal scraping. That’s because the little balls or rollers inside the bearing have worn down or lost their grease. Heat and vibration usually follow.

If you see the pump shaking more than normal or feel excessive heat near the motor housing, the bearing is probably toast. A failing bearing will draw more current too, which can trip breakers or burn out the motor windings. Don’t ignore it.

You might be able to replace just the bearing if you’re handy, but most people swap the whole motor. Either way, don’t run it long like that — a seized bearing can blow the pump seal or crack the diffuser.