ford 901 cooliing system

My Ford 901 is running very close to the red zone but has not boiled over yet. In investigating possible causes, I noticed that the fan is bolted to what I assume is a "hub" on the water pump. Don't see any leak around the pump or the hose connection, but I can move this "hub" side to side maye 1/8" and front to back about the same.
Does this seem like something that needs to be addressed ASAP? I've read that such movement is a sign of bearing wear and there is a possibility of the shaft breaking allowing the fan to go thru the radiator.
Cooling was maybe 2 quarts down when I checked it; also hosed off the radiator and cleaned the radiator guard sceen. Planing to check the flow at the radiator cap to see if I can tell whether the pump is working, and a couple of other things, BUT........
Assuming that the pump will have to be changed, can anyone suggest the best way to access the pump? To me it looks as if it best be done by removing the exhaust pipe (and maybe the alternator)on the left side. On the other (right side) part of the power steering assembly would have to be dismantled. I've even thought of removing the radiator but that looks like a last resort.
I would have a dealer do the work but the nearest dealer is at least 50 miles away and the hauling charges would be huge.
Don't know if I should even attempt this but I may be caught trying
Am attaching a few pics of the pump area
Thanks,
Lou

Lou,

You could possibly have a bad thermostat.How long has this been going on for?

Vito

I just replaced the water pump on my 961. You do not have to remove anything but the pump. Unbolt the fan, lay it in the shroud. Loosen the generator, remove the belt from the pump. You can get to the pump mounting bolts. It looks daunting, but it's only an hours worth of work.

Hope that helps

Stumpy

"Does this seem like something that needs to be addressed ASAP"

YES replace the pump now.
Do not ask how I know.

Get the pump with the long hub on it because this hub is part of the water pump.
Easy job just take your time. The hardest part is cleaning the old gasket off the engine.

Just be REAL careful how you lay the fan up against the radiator core. They (the radiator core)are very easy to knock a hole in them especially if the radiator is old. Just my thoughts, keith

As advised below, be very careful with the radiator core. I cut a piece of cardboard to place between the fan and core.

Dean

Thanks to everyone for the help.

I'll be getting the pump changed at once

Lou

PLEASE let us know the outcome,