88 Fuel Pump question

turned the truck off today, then it wouldn't start back up. Checked everything, wasn't getting gas. So got underneath it and put a glove on and beat on the fuel pump that is on the frame rail and it fired up and drove home, started up again drove it, then wouldn't start again. Banged on it again and it fired up. So does this mean that my fuel pump is going out or is there a short somewhere maybe? Was wondering if anyone else has had this happen? Thanks for your replies

Those pumps have spade connectors for the power wires, one large one small. The boot that covers them is bad about cracking letting water and dirt in and they get corroded/rusty/dirty. Check those connections first to make sure theyre clean and tight. It could also be the brushes in the pump, when they get worn badly they can hang up in the brush holders(from the residue or the spring not being able to put enuff pressure on them to make good contact with the armature). Tapping on the pump sometimes jars them loose for a while. You can do the same thing with an in tank pump by banging on the bottom of the tank, sometimes it`ll get you home.