Fuel Pump Noise

[steve-V8s]

I may have simply developed a bit of paranoia about this but ;

My fuel pump seems to prime normally but I am convinced it now makes a lot more noise at tick over than it used to. It is not so noisy so you can hear it on the move but it is clearly audible at tick over both inside and outside the car. Is this normal ? It does seem that in addition the engine is a bit down on top end power and running slightly hotter than normal. I wonder if the pump is struggling, resulting in reduced fuel pressure hence loss of power and running hot.

Suggestions appreciated.

The car is a 98 500, what’s the pump going to be ? Also I note that there is a filter near the pump and I have never changed this perhaps it is a service part and a bit gunked up.

[DarkMatter]

Steve,
I've noticed that my fuel pump is noisier on starting the car when it's hot, particlarly after a long run. The noise goes away after a while so I've ignored it so far.
Andrew.

[dnb]

The fuel filter is indeed a service part. Mine was changed every "big" service by Dave Batty.

Now I daren't let Batty see my car or else he'd go spare...