coolant pump

just wondering from the vast pool of knowledge here if there is any other way of knowing when your coolant pump is about to pack up. i know the obvious fault would be overheating but before it gets that serious, water pump squeaking..? minor leaks around it..? any info will be appreciated..

just had an interesting thought.. i know the alternator has a voltage protection circuit/system that prevents it from churning out more than 14.4 VDC or thereabout.. and the oil pump has a pressure relief valve that prevents oil pressure building up too high when the engine revs go...