Split on CV joint boot

The inner boot on one of my halfshafts has a long split. I checked inside the boot and the grease seems clean and free of dirt/grit. I am hearing some metal clanking noise but I'm pretty sure it (or much of it) is from the lower ball joint which I'm going to replace at that same wheel. How would CV noise differ from ball joint? Is there a way to check for inner CV joint damage without taking it apart? Is there a way to patch the boot split? Thanks for any help.

The inner boot is strictly a replace issue, usually any inner cv failure is accompanied by a vibration on accel or decel, or a severe clunk when put into gear.

Thanks very much!