Boots don't have to be torn.
Jack up front and turn tires back and forth.
They should only turn about 10 degrees, thats about 2 inches at the tread. If they turn more than that look under car at the shafts. Shaft should barely move where they go into the tranny case. If the shaft on one side of the boot moves and the other side doesn't, thats the bad CV.
Seek help at a shop if you have too. Diagnosis may cost less than the tow bill.
