How do you know if you need to change your struts and shocks ..i have a 98 honda ex 4 cyl. with 156k miles....Also, when i hit my brakes , i hear a clapping sound in my back tire..like the brake pad is thin or not there.....any suggestions.......

 

On the back brakes the only real way to know for sure is to inspect them (or have them inspected)... as for the struts/shocks, if they are hydraulic (which most OEM are....) then you can look at them/feel around them for fluid leaking, if it's present then the seals are going out so in turn the shocks/struts are going bad... Also, when you're driving and you hit a bump the car may continue to "bounce" for a while afterwards, plus it feels squishy almost boat like (I.E. one of those little kids rides at the grocery store that cost a quarter and moves around).... you can also try pushing down on your bumper or bouncing on your bumper and see how easy it is to get the car to move around.... I hope this helps!