2006 Saturn Ion what does it mean?

So on a recent trip back home on the highway my car began making this 'rattle' and 'clunking' sound from what sounded like the front driver side wheel area. The noise is most noticed when breaking to stop and accelerating from stopped position. to an uneducated individual it sounds like the wheel is going to just fall off.. also the steering wheel is hard to turn in either direction from start up position but turns freely while driving.. can you possibly tell me what this could be?

Thanks :)