Torn cv boot, outer boot, drivers side, replace boot or whole half axle? Is it possible to just replace boot?

check wheel bearings
check brake pads and rotors
I would go for failed wheel bearings

Sounds like maybe a busted motor mount or transmission mount, or a worn out cv drive axle.Look under the front of the car at the drive axles there is 4 rubber boots 2 on each axle inner boot and outer boot.See if one or more of the boots is torn or split.

remove inner cv boot, just on inside edge is circlip which holds inner bearing joint into outer housing remove circlip and separate joint outer housing does not come out of front diff unless you drop or remove whole front diff assembly
will have to remove whole stub axle hub assembly to remove drive shaft from outer wheel stub axle (hub) assembly

I'd say constant velocity joint. It's been my experience that the offending side is usually opposite from the direction being turned. Turn the wheel to each extreme side and get a look at the c.v. boots. If it's ripped or torn it's a good indication that foreign material has entered it and caused excessive wear. If I've helped, please rate my assistance. Thank you and Happy Holidays.

One would have to remove the half shaft to service the cv joint properly.

CV-Joints Overhaul Check the CV-boot for wear

Removing the outer band from the CV-boot

Removing the inner band from the CV-boot

Removing the CV-boot from the joint housing

Clean the CV-joint housing prior to removing boot

Removing the CV-joint housing assembly

Removing the CV-joint

Inspecting the CV-joint housing

Removing the CV-joint outer snapring

Checking the CV-joint snapring for wear

CV-joint snapring (typical)

Removing the CV-joint assembly

Removing the CV-joint inner snapring

Installing the CV-joint assembly (typical)

A clicking noise heard especially while making a turn is most likely a CV (constant Velocity) drive axle(s) that is worn out, and if the CV boots are torn and dirt has been getting into the drive axle CV joint, then replace the CV drive axle assembly and do not have the drive axle re-built or re-booted, especially when you can purchase a complete new CV axle assembly for under $60.00 and here is a link to check one out.

http://www.familycar.com/store/item/Chevrolet_Malibu_Replacement_Axle-Assembly_1997_2003_ARBC507101.html

Hello harborviewdo. My name is Roger and i will answer your question. Your vehicle has two drive axle half shafts. One on each side of the transmission. The out board side of each shaft is called the outer cv joint. Generally when they are bad you will find the outer boot is torn and has thrown the grease out. Should you need further help please just ask. Please rate the answer you received. This way I know it was helpful. Thank you for using Fix Ya. Roger

Broken/Bad CV boot? Check the boot for cracks/tears/etc.

Good luck, TD

Usually once the boot is torn, dirt goes in, and all of the lubricant goes out. If you have been driving it this way, it will damage things faster. Normally you hear a "click" when turning out of a bad cv joint.It is a safer solution to just replace both, but of coarse, not cheaper.

If something off the road tore the boot, yes but if it has not been tore long and you don't hear any clicking noises around corners, you can just replace the boot.