TD4 - do you think my fuel pump has had it?

Its a 2005 TD4 with 40K, fuel filter changed a few weeks ago and been running fine. I filled up with diesel today then drove for about 4 miles home. Went out on a short journey later, parked up, returned to the car about 5 mins later and it would not start.

I realised there was no priming sound from the pump so put my hand under the o/s rear wheel arch to see if I could feel the pump running, as I touched the plastic housing under the pump, it whirred into life and I was able to start the car. Strange thing is, I hardly touched the housing.

I have checked the electrical connection to the pump and all is well. Its running fine just now but the pump is noticably noisier than before - when you turn on the ignition but before you start the engine, it whirs away with more noise than before - once the engine has started, you don't hear it above the sound of the engine.

One more thing, when changing the diesel filter there was an electrical connection hanging loose that looks like it was attached to a rusty spade connection that has broken off - only thing is, I have no idea where from! The car was obviously running like this for ages so I just left it.

I am guessing that the pump is starting to wear and that I should change it but diesel cars are not really my thing so wondered what your opinions are

not sure about the rest but i think the loose wire is the earth i stand to be corrected