Yup, confirmed that I have another driver's side CV boot tear. That'll be fun to fix... again...

As for the groaning, VehiGaz, mine seems to always occur while entering or exiting a turn, though it doesn't matter whether I'm turning left or right. I'm thinking it's coming from the rear suspension - it sounds like something creaks as the weight of the vehicle shifts in or out of the turn. Possibly a lack of lube somewhere.