What do blown shocks sound like?

[GeoffM]

I'm pretty sure I have at least one blown shock, but I'd like some definite confirmation before I start replacing them.

• When I do the push up and down test, the results seem normal.
• When I hit large bumps at speed (like uneven road getting on a highway) it seems like my car shifts horizontally along the road.
• I just replaced my sway bar and a lower control arm. They were cracked where they connect along the link
• When I turn left at speed, I hear a rattling. When I go back straight, it stops.
• I see no worn components. The ball joints have no play, and the tie rods seem firm.

I can get Quick Struts for about $140 a side. Autozone is offering a 15% off deal until midnight tonight, so I'm going to be doing some last minute inspections on my car tonight to see if I can justify pulling the trigger.

[spiderpig]

is there any fluid on strut? if it seems stiffer then usual when you push down on it it is blown for sure

[dahubby]

Is the noise a rattling or a click? may be the axles boots are busted and the bearings are going out.

[GeoffM]

is there any fluid on strut? if it seems stiffer then usual when you push down on it it is blown for sure

I'll have to take a look. I have a feeling it might've been blown for a while, and is just now making the noise. If that's the case, then any sign of fluid is probably gone.
How do you define stiffer than usual?

Is the noise a rattling or a click? may be the axles boots are busted and the bearings are going out.

It's defintely a rattling. I've replaced both axles before, and I know what they sound like when they go bad. Same for the bearings. Defintely not a noise indicative of either of those.