Volkswagen Repair: Steering cracking noise, cv joint, tie rod

Question
Hi,
I drive a 99 Passat.  I am getting a 'cracking' noise from the
passenger's side if I turn the steering wheel the slightest bit, as
well as any shift in the weight of the car [stopping, accelerating,
pushing down on the front, especially passenger side].  Looking
in the passenger front wheel hull, the boot over the tie rod
protruding from the steering rack that is right behind the
spring/strut is pulled down and exposing the insides]  I'm
assuming dirt is in there now and is creating the cracking noise?    
The steering rack was entirely replaced last year.  For the life of
me, I couldn't understand why the noise became more
prounonced once my wife sat on the passenger side of the car!  
If I surround my hand around that tie rod end and bounce the
car, I car really hear it and feel the 'cracking' noise.  Is this a
dangerous situation to drive the car around in?  I'll be making
plans to have it looked at this weekend, I HOPE.
THANKS.

Answer
Usually when you turn the wheel and hear a cracking or clicking sound it is the front axle. The outer CV joint is going bad and that is the sound it makes. You can tell if the tie rod is bad(not the tie rod end)if you grab the wheel(tire)and shake it side to side and there is alot of play. This is dangerous because it causes sloppy steering or veering in the wrong direction. If you can't get your car to go straight you are in trouble. Otherwise the bad front axle is not of immediate threat.