Grinding when stopping (Any Ideas?)

When I slow down, when I get to about 10 mph, there is a grinding noise that comes from the front driver side wheel area. I assume it has to do with my brakes, but not sure. I just replace the brake pads about 3 months ago, I do put about 2000 miles a month on the car(it's a long commute), so it's probably been 6000 miles, but brake pads should last longer than that. What else could it be? Haven't had a chance to pull the wheel off, would like to have an idea of what to look for when I start working on it.
Anyone else have a similar problem?

1999 Ford Escort, I think it's a 2.0L SOHC.

Nah, can't be the brakes. Too new. I'm thinking possibly a bad wheel bearing. It would make more of a grinding sound as you slowed down. But, if it only happens when you get down to 10 mph, I doubt it's a bearing. That would make noise all the time. Anybody else out there?

My guess is that when the brakes were done something wasn't reinstalled right. Best just take the wheel off and have a look.

The brake pads have little metal retaining clips on them, they aren't really a necessity but often are put there just to ensure the pads don't move. If one of them has rattled a little out of place, it could be rubbing, caysing this. Just a possibility - I'd take the wheel off and look for anything that looks odd.