Yes that is the cv, and replacing the whole unit is easier, with a jack, and some tools you can do it your self, just make sure you have a socket big enough for the axle nut, you can remove the strut from the hub, or you can drop the lower a-arm and take off the tie rod so you can manuver the axle out and in.
+1 on dropping the lower a-arm. You don't have to take out the strut or shocks. Actually you just need to loosen one bolt on the a-arm. Then get a hanger and wrap it around the rotor and somewhere on the strut so it won't be hanging down. You should be able to take out the axle from there.
Once you complete that double check the axle and see if the end of it is chiped. If so then you have to replace to axle.
I hope this helps...