2000 Accord 2.3L coup 5MT with about 198k on it

I've done some research but still got some questions. It seems that the cause of my vibration is from the CV axle. I went under and looked at it today. I saw some grease between the cv axle and the transmission but the boot on the outer CV joint looks clean. When I shock the CV axle, I got a small play and a slight clunk, but I needed to shake it hard to get it. It has a small rattle. Not sure if that is normal. But with the leakage, I think I need to replace it.

My question is, is the process the same with an automatic transmission compared to a manual transmission? All the video that I've seen on YouTube are for automatic.

Also what brand is good besides OEM? I would like to buy form rockauto.com if possible to save money. They brands they have are TRAKMOTIVE, FVP. APWI, GSP and Cardone. They are about $50 each compared to the local parts start which is about $120 each. OEM is about $190 each.

This car is a daily beater that I use for work and to the store. I work 5 miles away so I don't want to put too much money into this.

 

You can't apply enough torque testing it with your hands compared to what the power output of the motor/trans can do to determine if the axle is in good shape or not. With the ripped boot, it will need replaced at some point.

Normally you don't get vibration from a bad axle. Normally it is just a click when taking a sharp corner indicating that the axle is starting to go bad. Later it clicks most of the time, shortly before it breaks.

Any brand will work. You should get at least +100k from even the cheap ones.

The MT and auto are the exact same procedure.

Consider changing the MT fluid while you are under there unless it has been done recently.