It's actually not about power. It is about the noise the pump makes.
So I guess your saying that if the pump does not turn it will eventually cease up. If I replace the pump will a new one be quieter or do they all make a racket. Sounds like a bad bearing but I understood that they all make noise. Also the car only has 21k original miles so I don't think it is bad. All other accessories bearings are original and very very quiet.