Odd front end problem with my '98 V70

[llamov]

I recently bought a 1998 V70 AWD. About two weeks ago I was on the highway. I noticed a high pitched whine that sounded like road noise, but it was a noise I'd never heard. About 20 miles later I heard a "snap" or click from the front end and the car began to vibrate. It felt like a flat tire. I pulled off the highway and into a gas station, but when I got out of the car and looked, all the tires were fine.

I had the car towed home. A mechanic I know came over and drove the car briefly. His opinion is that it's some sort of front end issue, but he currently has no lift, no shop, and can't work on the car.

I just want some ideas on what it can possibly be so I know how to proceed.

[Ozark Lee]

It could be any number of things but one of mine exhibited similar behavior after someone tried steal the wheels. They got three of the lug bolts out and were working on the fourth when something must have scared them off. My wife called about a horrible vibration and I went to swap cars with her and I made it about halfway home before the other two bolts backed out and the wheel fell off.

Beyond that you will need to jack the car up and try to start moving stuff around. Since you hear a snap it may be pretty obvious once you get the wheel off.

...Lee