G'day,

I'm assuming that you are talking about the V6?

If so, then yes, the water pump is driven by the timing-belt. It is mounted into the front of the engine block, behind the timing covers.

In regards to your noises - try running the motor without the serpentine belt - that will eliminate noises coming from it's drive train.

Noises from the timing-belt train could be: water-pump, idler pulley, tensioner pulley or faulty hydraulic tensioner.

Do a search on 'tensioner' over the last few months

Aussie 1997 3.2V6 SOHC 6VD1 Holden Jackaroo SE (Isuzu Trooper/Bighorn/Monterey) 5-speed manual, rear LSD, front Lokka (manual free-wheel hubs).