What happens to the rubber/vinyl boots is that they eventually dry out and crack. If your boot is not cracked, you could try some vinyl conditioner on it to get through the winter. Just apply it liberally on the entire boot while looking for very deep cracks. Do both sides of the car.
As for replacing the boot, yes those products do exist. But they only last a year or two, depending on the climate and the installer. Considering the cost of the boot and an entire new axle, I would always go for a new axle.
BTW, if a boot is torn open, it usually takes a good year for the joint to get to the point when replacement is mandatory. You will hear the noise long before failure.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic
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