Popping noise from left front end of 2001 Avalon

My friend's 2001 Avalon began making a LOUD popping noise after bottoming the suspension in a pot hole. The popping is worse at low speeds with abrubt steering inputs, and seems related to body roll..more roll, more popping. He replaced the front struts and strut bearings days before hitting the pot hole. The only visual clue to a possible source of the noise is a damaged boot and some metal splinters coming from the top sway bar link on the left side.
Any help appreciated! We're thinking of removing the sway bar link to eliminate it as a source of noise......

it sounds like you've damaged the cv shaft. If you hear popping when you turn the steering wheel I would imagine that's the cause.