ok i think what im looking at is a bad wheel bearing. the right front wheel area is very loud. i can raise the car and try and shake the wheel and it does not move. i was told the car may have a bad tie rod when i bought it. also, in the snow/cold yesterday it sounded like a grinding noise from that wheel. no suspension mods to vehicle other than some 17s were on it before. wheel bearing?

 

A grinding noise usually indicates a failing wheel bearing and we know they are a weak point on these cars (three of mine have been replaced although the fourth is still original at 180,000 km). The grinding noise should change with the speed of the car if it's the wheel bearing.

 

jack up that wheel and rotate it. listen if you hear grinding noise and locate it.