Hi;

About 5 years ago I bought a used 1991 Honda Civic 4 door.

It now has 130,000 miles.

The car runs great. The only major expenses I have had from it are
worn out tires, a mechanic leaving some bolts loose, and a van backing
into it at a traffic light.

Several times over the years when I have brought the car in to have
the oil changed and the tires rotated I have been told that my CV
joints had a torn lining.

It was explained to me that this causes a knocking sound when turning
the car.

Well, after the last set of repairs( from the van backing into it ) I
was told this again. I told the mechanic I had heard this rap before
and he promised me if he replaced the whole axle it would "stay
fixed".

I do hear knocking now.......but only if I turn the wheel all that it
can turn AND turn the car while it is on a steep incline.

This was after getting the new axle, new tires, and an alignment.

Is this normal?

Should I have it looked at again?

How do CV joints get torn? Does it really matter if they get torn?

Can this be prevented?

Steve