I have a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse with 145,000 miles. I'll tr to explain this the best I can. When I am driving along, if i have to straighten the car on the road by holding the steering wheel to the left, there is a clanking noise and the steering wheel starts to jolt a little. It is especially noticeable at higher speeds, but you can notice it at slower speeds as well. As far as I can tell, when I am making a left turn, the noise and jolting stops when I am deep into the turn. Its only when I am keeping the car straight on the road is when it makes the noise. Does anyone have any suggestions? I've been told that it could be either the CV joint or the tie rod. Thanks.

It could also be wheel bearing; but they make more of a 'growling' noise.
If you look underneath your car while someone moves the wheel a bit from side to side, you should be able to see the looseness in the tie rod ends.
Generally though, loose tie rods are not noisy, so a CV joint seems more likely.