I have a 2000 Cavalier 2.2L , almost 84k and my water pump been slowing going and starting to seem like close, but still not Bad or hissing or grinding but i notice all the sounds my car makes and im anal
and never changed one on this car, im use to full size trucks i use to work on..
what is the best way to remove the old water pump, of course taking the serprentine belt , do i go from top and removing alternator , or under neath?

how long should it approx take to do it..?

The water pumps on the 2.2L are easy, Just pop off the serprentine belt , with an long wrench, Belt should pop off, Then drain all the coolant, Then pop off the pulley on the water pump, Then undo all the bolts, The pump should pop off, Clean the surface where old gasket is on the engine block & dry and clean (with metal putty knife). Then Get high temp coolant sealant, place the new gasket on, bolt it back, pulley , install serprentine belt , flush coolant system, add new coolant, The burp the system, with heater full blast on hot, And with the resvoir cap off, do this for about 5 mins or so, then check for leaks, No leaks youre in bussiness.

Good Luck.