ok so i have this boot thing comming out if my drivers side wheel, i know its not the axels, so the only thing i could figure it to be is the Steering Rack & Pinion. the problem is that the boot is torn and so i guess i have to replace the whole piece. im not exactly sure if this is the part i need, so if there is anything else that connects to the wheel that has a boot besides the axels and Steering Rack & Pinion, please let me know.

if it is the Steering Rack & Pinion, is it a hard part to change? and how dangerous is it to be driving with a torn Steering Rack & Pinion boot? whats the worse that could happen, i really have no clue what this part is for, i have never heard of it failing before. i see some on ebay for 100 after shipping and handling. if anyone has replaced this part before and can offer some advice, it would be appreciated.