I would start by replacing cv axle and the seal --since your seeing, hearing and notice a lot of play in it . The noise you hear as to if it sounds like a loud humming noise and gets louder as you speed up is a sign your wheel bearing-s need replaced and in that case it allows cv axle free play...
My Cobalt's Timing chain busted all tensioners and chewed up gear teeth send metal fragments into valves . So I want to replace motor and I have one in Pontiac available . Cobalt has 180 k miles on motor . G6 motor has around 70 k but it was flipped and motor is fine