Pontiac Repair: steering, cv joints, wheel bearings

Question
When I turn to the right or left, a hard turn, there is a distinct noise in the front tires. It started in the left and now has popped up in the right side. My mechanic sees to think I need to replace the Half-shafts(axels) on  both side of the front end. I think it may be a steering(rack and pinnion) problem, since the noise does not happen when I hit bumps or anything else. My mechanic, did not test drive it, he just put it on a rack and pushed on the CV joints. My Stepfather (a mechanic for 50 years) taught his 7 daughters to ask questions and get second opinions? Could you please help me? Thanks!
I own a 1993 Pontiac Grand-Am, with a 3.3 engine.

Answer
Asking for a second opinion is always great advice Cindy! Depending on the noise your car is making, your mechanic may be right on the mark. If you are hearing a clicking noise as you drive and turn corners, then your axles are bad. This would explain why you heard it on the left side first and then the right. When you turn to the right, the left side is under stress and therefore clicks when it is bad, and vice-versa for the other side and direction. If you are hearing a rumbling or growling type of noise then the wheel bearings would be suspect. If it is a popping noise, ball joints or tie rod ends. It also makes a difference if you can recreate the noise while sitting still and turning the wheel left to right. Please get back to me with a little more information based off of what I have provided and then I can better help. Thanks!