you arent too mechanically inclined are you? haha

i would check the alt, ac compressor clutch, ps pump, etc.

as far as the axle, you can take the boot off, clean and regrease, and reassemble. OR since you dont seem to be too keen on the mechanical working of a car (not bashing, just saying), i would go the easy route and just replace the whole thing. hell, i know what im doing under the hood and i would still just replace it.