How does one know when to replace shocks/struts? My vehicle rides smooth, but makes noise when going over small bumps.

Look in your "Owners Manual" for a Mileage Service Reminder, online at "www.eBooks.com" or just ask any service desk at a Chevy dealership for a print out of the service's by mileage. If the auto rides smooth but makes noise going over bumps, it could be the rubber bushings for the shocks, A-Arm's or sway bars are making noise. Find a nice quiet part of the day and crawl under your vehicle while someone else pushes down on the auto "with force" and hunt out the "squeak". If the person can not push down forcefully, the suspension wont react the same and duplicate the noise, so don't ask anyone of small or light stature. To test the shocks or struts for wear - (while outside the car) Get the car "bouncing" by pushing up and down on it 4 or 5 times in succession and then let go quickly "on the down push". If the auto stop's bouncing, as it comes back up or "recovers from the bounce", then the shocks or struts are good. If the auto keeps bouncing after you let go, then the shocks or struts are bad. Can you get struts that go bad within a week or month after buying them ? Yes, seen it happen from Sears and AutoZone (stuff happens).