i recently did the water pump on my 97 a6 12v.. when i took off the timing belt i forgot to note the position and mark anything.. everyhting has been moved form the position it was in.. how can i replace everythign to make sure i get the timing correct?

 

You NEED the cam lock bar to lock the cams together, the timing can't jump with that tool installed.
As for the crank, the pulley is keyed meaning if you put the lower timing cover back on with the pulley you can see the timing mark. But that means nothing if you don't know where the cams are, buy that tool!