Volvo: Volvo 97 850 T5, rear struts, life span

Question
a. When changing timing belt, is it normal to change the tensioner and the water pump behind it?  Or, can the pump be changed later on?
b. How hard is it to change the brake pads on the rear by myself?  Are there kits?  
c.  What is the normal life of the front and rear struts?

Volvo 97 850 T5

Answer
Hello Eric! It is not necessary to replace the water pump and tensioner unless they are bad. Brake pads are fairly easy to replace if you are mechanically inclined. There really is no "normal" life span for struts. I have seen the go bad as early as 40k and last as long as 150k. It really depends on driving conditions. If you are unsure about how to do any repairs, I would leave it a qualified Volvo technician. Especially the timing belt! There really is no room for error. I hope this info helps.


Jimmy