He indicated it was fluid on the outer CV boot. That would indicate no connection to either the rack or the A/C condensate. It might indicate a torn or leaking CV boot which would likely require a replacement halfshaft.
Di sqyueeze each of the tie rod/rack boots to see if there is any fluid in them. If so, you wll be replacing the rack soon. Having just done this last week, I can tell you it's no fun.
The groaning is from air in the PS hydraulic system. Top it off and purge it as already described. If that method of purging does not work, it may be necessary to use the more agressive vacuum purge method (it's in the service manual).
Steve
