Nissan Repair: Nissan Maxima - crunching/noise turning, cv joints, nissan maxima

Question
I have a 96 Nissan Maxima making a crunching noise in the front when I drive over bumps - especially speed bumps. I saw you other explaination saying this was probably the bearing plates. However in addition to that noise it is starting to make a loud  noise when turning especially up a small hill and when it is very cold out. It is kinda of a loud groaning type sound that doesn't last long but is getting worse. Would this be the same thing or strut or the CV joint? The back shocks also have lost there rubber cover where the shaft comes out. Should those also be replaced? Thanks for any help.

Answer
Greg,

Yes, the CV joints are probably gone along with the strut bearing plates.  If the car does not bounce over bumps the torn boots would not be a problem.  However, if the car bounce is excessive I would replace the struts on both the front and rear. Heck, if the car is as good as most it would be worth getting all done at once since the car has to be aligned after the strut bearing plates and CV joints are replaced.