Strange rattle from rear on 2003 Boxster S

[jacabean]

is your E - brake working correctly ? the springs inside could make that type of noise

[Southtxfarmer74]

Ok, checked and adjusted the hand brake. Still have the noise. I did have a bunch of gravel and small rocks on the plastic shielding that is under the car...removed the rocks as well. While checking park brake operation and play (passenger side), I noticed that the inner CV boot was torn. Pretty good tear and while there is still grease inside the boot I am wondering if the CV joint is past it and needs replacing. Was thinking of just replacing the boots or should I go ahead and buy new axle units as a whole assembly I am really good at changing boots and re-packing CV joints, but 89000 miles has to have taken somewhat of a toll. When I move the axle back and forth, I can hear a slight clicking noise. I don't hear that on the other side (driver side) of the car when I jiggle the axle back and forth. I don't think the CV joint is bad, and would rather just replace the boots, but is this normally what is done or does one just throw away the axle assembly and start over?

[jacabean]

i would just replace the boots and see what happens .