just wondering if any one has any insight as to the best way to pull these off in order to get to the water pump. any and all help would be hugely appreciated. thanks.

 

Mine is 98 model. But I believe it is the same motor or minor different, 2.4L-I. I have to open the valve cover, then lock the rocker arm by putting an socket extended bar into the hole on the arm. Now I am able to use a socket to untight the bolt on the sprocket. I don't have a special tool, so this work out just fine to me.

 

Stick a bent screw driver or brake spoon just under the center and through the cam where the timing cover bolt is. There is a little notch there. That should give you enough leverage to be able to undo the bolt. On the exhaust cam you may need to get under the car and hold your tool while your buddy unbolts it. I used a brake spoon by the way...