impeller / wear ring troubles

[Acuaman3]

I recently purchased a 97 sportster with a single 717 and found some trouble reaching plane because of cavitation. When looking at the wear ring it clearly needs to be replaced but what I don't understand is why and how does the impeller look like it is cutting into the wear ring at the corner of the blade and look like there is too big of a gap between the blade and wear ring in other places? is it just because of the ring or is the impeller need work or replacing? Thanks for all who reply.

 

[Dr Honda]

Could be warn bearings in the pump, and/or the system is out of align.

 

[Acuaman3]

Thanks for the advice. I had the pump removed and the bearings were shot.