What causes the car to vibrate?

JAck the front end up and check for play in each wheel. Hold it at the 12 and 6 position and then at the 3 and 9 position. Use a push pull/action and make sure there is no movment. Also grab hold of the sway bar links and try to move them, no play should be there either.

If you didn't have the pulling, I would be more apt to think a wheel balance problem, but I am thinking a loose tie rod on this one. Don't put this off or you can loose control of the car if it lets go. Better to err on the side of caution.

The weights are put on the inside either for aesthetic purposes or the outer rim edge won't hold the weight.

If steering is tight try swaping the frt tires, criss cross them, and see if the pull goes away, the crunching noise could be the strut bearings.

The sound you're describing sounds like the upper strut mounts (extremely common). Doubt this would cause that vibration though. That definetly sounds like a tire/wheel balance issue.

Also make sure to get the front lower control arm bushings checked. Another common problem and this can cause a vibration.