Fuel pump noise, replace it?

[alg]

I have a 2004 NB 2.0l with a manual trans, 23000 miles.
Had the car for only 2 weeks.

It sounds like the fuel pump is making a screeching sound when I drive the car. It seems to come from the back of the car, somewhere near the rear seats.
A manual I read shows that the fuel pump is in that area.

The car makes this noise about 75% of the time when idling. Its hard to hear if there is any noise when on the freeway.

The car runs perfect though.

If this is a fuel pump, do you think it should be replaced?

Is there anything else in the back that could make a sound?

(I checked the relay for the fuel door as well as the one to open the hatch.)

[hako]

If it makes the screeching noise when idling try pulling the fuel pump fuse or relay and see if the noise goes straight away (engine should run for 2 seconds or so). With your miles and age its unusual for a pump to go---no warranty?

[nyum96]

Mine made a noise when it started it's decline. You could hear it at highway speed too. They can make a loud noise, like the old Suburbans do. Mine made this noise for 25,000 miles before it went. Keep the tank filled up as much as posible to reduse the stress on the pump.

Wait until it dies. Don't go replacing parts when your not 100% sure.

[alg]

Thanks for the info.
Now that you mention it, it does make much less noise when the tank is full.

[nyum96]

Mine usually happened at night or the morning when the weather was cool/ cold. Never started but the very first time there was a sign of a no start problem, same problem as you.

Once the car does not start and there is no priming sound when the door is opened, apply a direct 12v charge to the pump, bi-passing all other relays and such. If the pump does not work, there you go. If it does work, then work your way backways down the electrical circuit. Usually the relay. I say do this before you buy a $30 relay. It takes no time to do and if it does not work, you have $30 to spend towards a new pump.

I changed my pump in about 45 minutes... Very easy to do but messy if your not careful.

Keep the tank full and you'll get some more miles out of it.