The front left axle was smoking when I came to a stop light today

Strangely this is a known issue. I fixed my squeaking by spraying the gap behind the steering wheel and the the dash with Jigaloo, which is a dry silicone lubricant. Spray it just before you start driving.

Squeaky Steering Wheel Column Fix with Pics!

https://www.trailvoy.com > ... > Interior
Oct 10, 2009 - There are two bolts that hold the column in place. Before you go to work on those, push on your steering wheel to see if it is still squeaking.

sounds like a wheel bearing or axle shaft to me. A wheel bearing will grind or roar or groan. An axle shaft will click or pop. Both repairs will require you to dismantle the front wheel hub, separating the lower control arm from the steering knuckle. A front wheel alignment will probably be needed following the repair. A good mechanic can knock this out in a couple of hours, a shadetree might take all weekend.

Most likely a belt problem or a worn out tensioner. You left off the year, make, model and engine so it's a guessing gamet. Read this post on how to track down the source of noise

http://ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/diagnose-squeak-noise-creaks-and-squeals/
Diagnose squeaks creaks and squeals

Jack the car up put you hand on the 12 and 6 o'clock position and try to rock the tire if it moves it is a bad wheel baring if it squeaks when applying the brakes it can be the pads are worn out if it clicks I can be the half drive shaft if it is a drive shaft run one way if it is quit it is ithe inside it will be noisy if you make circles the other direction then there are the strut towers that can squeak hope this helps

You have one of your constant-velocity joints failing.
There are 4 on your car, two left and two right.
Each has a short "drive shaft" between them.
Nowadays, the cheapest fix is to replace the right or left axle as a unit ( One axle with a joint on each end).
From your description, sounds like you might consider doing them tomorrow, or maybe today.
If left untreated, thewy will come off and leave you stranded.
Also, when they fall apart, they can damage other parts.
Be blessed

raise you vehicle on jackstands. remove front wheel and tire.remove front caliper from steering knuckle assembly, remove rotor from hub by pulling it staright off. remove speed sensor bracket from strut assembly. remove hub and bearing to stub axle retaining nut. dislodge inner CV stub shaft retaining ringon transaxle assembly. insert small pry bar between transaxle case and inner CV joint by prying on it.remove strut assembly to steering knuckle bolts remove top of steering knuckle from strut assembly, then rotate CV assembly out of vehicle. Remove inner shaft from transaxle stub shaft grasp inner CV joint and interconnecting shaft and pull both pieces out at the same time. good luck!

1. loosen center wheel nut (look up utube)
2. remove wheels
3. remove rod end
4. remove strut bolts
5. remove center wheel bolts
6. press center shaft off or use a brass punch
7. drop rotor assembly down
8. pull shaft out ( check for circlips or bolting plates)

take the wheel off
lose the axle nut
disconnect the tie rod end from steering knuckle
separate the lower ball joint
separate the steering knuckle from the drive axle
pry the axle out of the transmission

sounds like a bad cv shaft. If there is clicking while making a turn, 90% of the time you will need a new cv shaft. The shudder also denotes a bad cv shaft (front axle) Most axle repairs cost up to $400. If you are charged more, find a new mechanic. if the car feels like it floats back and forth (side to side) Be sure to check the control arm bushings. If you are not sure how to inspect them, visit a service center. Any problem in the suspension should be addressed immediatley. Stay safe.

Hi.. The step to remove the front Axles of you Vitara.
Raise and support Vehicle . Remove front wheel,
Drain Diff,fluid,
Remove Locking Hub if is equipaded,
Remove Circle clip from axle shaft
On right side of Vehicle, Remove the Stabilizer Little ball joint nut. Remove castle nut Front Tie rod end,
Remove mounting bolts from brake calipper,
Remove Calipper from steering knuckle and wire a side.
Remove Stud Nut from steering knuckle,
Support Lower suspension arm with a jack,
Remove lower strut bracket bolt ,
Lower jack and disconnect Knuckle from lower suspension crontrol arm,
Pull Outler joint from Hub.
Use Large screwdriver or Prybar To pry Right inner joint from differential, The axle will go out making a little froce with the prybar,
To remove the left side,
Remove mounting bolt from inner joint flange,
Pull out axle from hub.

To reinstall just reverse the prosses.

I hope this help on your job...
Thank you for use fixya....