i have been hearing alot of noises in the back of my car while goin over bumps it seems like my rear shocks have been blown, but how do i know for sure that they are gone before i replace them?

 

You know theyre gone when your starts to feel floaty like a cadillac... as of the noise. it may be other things.. your shocks can be dead and it still doesnt make much noise except for when you bottom out

 

Another sign would be if there is fluid coming out. You may also have worn suspension parts, such as bushings. When you replace your shocks it would be a good time to get new bushings as well.

 

yea if ur shocks are leaking oil then it's blown.

 

Also, if your car bounces alot up and down, that's a sign of worn out struts.

 

My 97 SE 5spd just turned 125k. Decided to replace the oem shocks and springs. Went to H&Rs and Tokico Illuminas. WOW, what a difference. Solid, controlled, tight! Oh yeah, day one....1 inch drop. Expect it will settle a bit to the expected 1.3" drop. Very happy. If you are going to replace your shocks I'd recommend the Illuminas (5 way adjustable) and the H&Rs. Cheers

 

It could be the cap that makes the noise as well.

 

This is usually what you will see.

 

the way I tested mine... go outside your car push on your cars hood near the wheel on either side, several time hard enough to compress the springs then stop and stand back, if your car continues to bounce more then one time...their bad.

 

If you have ever seen "Uncle Buck" that car is a perfect example of blown shocks.

 

1. Check if the oil is leaking from your shock. You have to take off the wheels to have a good view of it.
2. Rock your car i.e. press on a fender (front and then rear) right above your wheels a few times in a row and then let go. If rocking stops immediately, shocks are ok, if you car rocks, it means shocks are bad.
3. If you brake, your car dives. If you turn, it leans to the right or left. These are all signs of bad shocks.
Shocks are really important and underestimated, they keep your car stable and help with braking and turning. You can destroy them either with time or by hitting a big hole in the road, you will hear that the shock was taken beyond its limit. Then it will start leaking and go bad quickly, it can even bend if you hit a curb.