Solution to my leaking water pump weep hole?

I have also seen (on a Ford 5.0 non HO) the water pump shaft "walk back" and push on the sheet metal backing plate causing noise and a leak.

But yeah leaking out that hole means replace i guess you could play around and get a few more miles out of it in "combat conditions" once you hear the bearing though its done. Ye s they make noise when toasted.