Water Pump leak

I took my 08 Aveo in to get the timing belt changed since it has 60 k. on it. After I got the car back I noticed it had a very slight antifreeze leak, you could see it slowly dripping at idle, definitley wasn't there before. So I took the car back and they said the water pump seal was leaking, so they replaced the water pump under warranty. My question is, do you have to remove the water pump when you change the timing belt, or is this just a strange coinsidence?

The water pump is driven by the timing belt. No, you don't have to take the water pump off to replace the belt. It's a good idea to replace the pump while you are in there. At the very least, the O ring should be replaced. The water pump and pulley are rotated to adjust the tension on the timing belt. This can make the O ring start leaking. I'm glad you got it fixed on warranty. To R&R the water pump there is the same amount of labor as replacing the timng belt. ~Dave~

By the way, How much does it cost to get a timing belt replaced? Mine is due for one.

The water pump is driven by the timing belt. No, you don't have to take the water pump off to replace the belt. The waterpump and pulley is rotated to adjust the tension on the belt. There is an O ring on the front of the water pump to keep it from leaking. Usually it's a good idea to replace the water pump while you're in there because when the water pump is rotated to adjust the belt tension, the O ring can start leaking.

By the way, how much did you have to pay to get the timng belt changed? Did you take it to the dealer? I've got to get my timing belt in an 05 soon. Thanks. ~Dave~
Thanks for the info! Our local Chevy dealer did the work. The timing belt cost $257 the water pump was free under the warranty. Too bad the water pump was leaking second instead of first then i would have only had to pay for the belt LOL.

The belt runs around $57.00 for a Conti Tech belt. Around $200.00 labor it appears.

Thanks for the info guys. When I do mine I'm going to replace the water pump while I'm in there. Also, will replace the idler pulley. I will definately replace the O ring. NAPA has aluminum pullys and an aluminum water pump. I've been told (don't know for sure) that the belt will last longer with aluminum parts. Something about dissipating the heat better. I do know that these timing belts on the Aveo go out just past 60k.

Volvo had timing belts that went out soon like these and they used wider pulleys and a wider belt to fix the problem.
I think your best bet is just to change at 60,000 miles as suggested. Their change was done on newer models not a call back.

Thanks for the info guys. When I do mine I'm going to replace the water pump while I'm in there. Also, will replace the idler pulley. I will definately replace the O ring. NAPA has aluminum pullys and an aluminum water pump. I've been told (don't know for sure) that the belt will last longer with aluminum parts. Something about dissipating the heat better. I do know that these timing belts on the Aveo go out just past 60k.
If you need the wrench look at these.
http://www.uktools.com/ Search timing wrench also look at special sockets and pentagon socket. Items for smaller vehicles you seem to work on frequently.
It takes about 10 days they take Visa shipping was appx. 10 pounds for a 10 point socket and some female torx plus EPL sockets I purchased. Use yahoo to convert from pounds to dollar. Minimise screen after total check then if you want to buy bring up and click purchase. Bank charges appx. $1.50 transaction fee. They also take paypal.