"..and even more when I hit the brakes."
This is is the area in which you want to focus.
My recommendations are (you'll get dirty):
1. Get down to rim level and use your eyes to check the surface of the rotor.
2. Use your fingers to check the rear surface of the rotor.
3. Start your car, turn off all added sound, and press on the brakes, listening for the same sound upon applying pressure. This is an audible test of the caliper piston. This is only a test.
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How long has it been since the TIE ROD ENDS have been changed? These parts are part of the steering system.
With car started and in park, turn the steering wheel to the right, then left, or vice versa. Your car, your choice. Listen for unfamiliar sounds, like popping or tumbling. You'll hear the slight whine of the power steering pump, which is a normal sound.
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Shocks will exhibit visual characteristics when bad, but this can only be determined by driving by a humongasaurus mirror or by having a friend drive alongside you. They should check to see if the tire(s) bounce up and down rapidly when in motion. If so, this is a sign of a bad shock.
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BALDIE is correct: they are struts. FYI:
Autozone says flat-out that their struts, while AFTERMARKET struts, do not meet OEM equipment. O'Reilly Auto does not make specifially clear this. Here is O'Reilly's strut page for the 96 Bonneville SE:
http://www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/DisplayTheParts.do?manualReplCategoryIndex=42&vehicle=1996PONTIACBONNEVILLESEV6-3800%203.8L&bid=1225066640980&cycleCount=1263¤tPage=1&newPage=true
Keep in mind that you may also have to buy a 'Mounting Kit'. Monroe's is called STRUT-MATE.
