I think something big just broke... now what? (suspension/brakes-related)

Ok, bear with me, this is probably going to be a long one:

So for a while now I've been hearing some kind of a squeaking-rattling noise from the front driver's-side wheel. It sounded like something was loose, but everything i could get at without jacking the car up and removing the wheel was tight, and everything looked ok. I had seriously been planning on posting here and trying to fix it within the next few days, and then something awful happened on the way home tonight.

I'm driving back from a show, windows down, going maybe 20 out of a parking lot. I heard a ripping type sound, so I thought a tire had gone flat or something; I pulled over and everything looked ok though. Being a little ways from home, I decided to just take it slow. So then driving back, every time I touched the brakes, that wheel starts making a God-awful clunking/grinding noise, really loud. It literally sounded like it was ripping itself apart every time I hit the brakes.

So, anyone have any thoughts on what this could be? I looked over the wheel and brake etc when I got home, but nothing looked broken. the only thing I noticed was the brake caliper felt loose when I shook it a little. So this could definitely be part of the problem, but doesn't really explain the rattling that was going on before.

Sorry for the long post, any help would really be appreciated!

You will have to take the caliper off. Check for loose or broken bolts. Either a bolt broke or a slide bushing broke.

Check the spindle for the condition of the wheel bearing hub assembly.

OK, that's kind of what I was thinking I was going to have to do. Unfortunately I'm in Tucson for school right now and I don't have a jack nor most of my tools, so I think I'm just going to have to have it towed to a shop. :( Should I look for a decent mechanic around here or just take it to a generic Midas/Meineke-type place?

You might as well have it checked out if you don't have access to your tools. Some shops may charge you a diagnostic fee though if they inspect your car for whatever problem it has.

Alternately, buy a cheap kit of sockets with an 18MM, a decent Craftsman ratchet, a cheap pair of jack stands, and save the tow bill. I HOPE you at least have the factory jack. probably pay 125 for the tow, and about 35-45 for tools, jackstands. Either way you gotta buy any parts it needs.