Honda Repair: Shock Absorbers, honda civic lx, loud thud

Question
Hello Bill! This is just a simple question about car diagnostics. I do some repair myself on my 1994 Honda Civic LX 1500cc.  Whenever I go over potholes whether small or big ones, I feel and hear an annoying "thud" in my suspension (all four wheels give the same effect). I am not so sure whether they are caused by worn-out bushings or shock absorbers. I bought my car second hand in November 2003 and have never replaced the shocks, springs, bushings since. Tie rods and front ball joints (upper & lower)have all been replaced. My question is, what could be the cause of the loud "thud" in my car's suspension? Could they be the shocks? How do I know that my shock absorbers are damaged?  

Answer
Dione:
It does sound like your struts are bad. You can push the car down on one side by each wheel and see if the car pops back up with minimal bouncing. If it does not bounce right back up and stay I would say you need new struts.
Good luck.
Bill