I'm in Michigan, so I know what you mean about the weather!

Lift the front just a couple inches off the ground and spin a front wheel as fast as you can. It should spin freely, quietly (if not, bearings). When it stops, grab it firmly at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock and alternately push and pull to rock it. It should not clunk (if it does, check steering linkages) or wobble (bearings). Next grab at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock and rock again. If it clunks or moves, check your ball joints, control arms, and bearings. Do it all again on the other side. Next, with both front wheels off the ground and the car securely set on jack stands, unlock the ignition and turn the wheels all the way left to right and back, and listen for noise. First do it without the engine running to listen for mechanical interference, then with the engine running to check the p.s. pump.

Even without driving these may help narrow it down, and require no disassembly for basic evaluation.