It's things like this - which are real, and a pain in the hole - where I find all the crap I've hoarded over the years, to be invaluable.
My neighbor's bike needed a quick clean and general look-over... instantly I see he's got 3 spokes BROKEN on his front wheel.
Yeah, I've got a old 26" mtb wheel in the shed.
Swap out the front wheel for something else you know works, and go from there.