IDK... I was in the wait and see attitude(too...) until my pump(or rather e-thermostat) sprouted a leak. IF you wait until it fails... it just might fail and leave you with a $1,500 repair bill out in the middle of know where's land. I would rather replace the pump/e-stat and u-shaped hose WHEN its convenient for me.
As we all know all too well... when the pump fails... it will be without much notice.
I think you are on borrowed time. Sooner or later we shall know.
Dackel