06 torrent/equnox front end rubbing noise

[blkmonday]

in my gem of an automobile I call a 06 Pontiac torrent started making a new noise today. it seems to be coming from the front end like a rubbing noise. almost sounds like a tire rubbing on something. it speeds up and slows down with the cars speed. seems to be the same volume on turns and going straight. doesn't change with engine rpm's. the front end doesn't shake at all and its driving fine. applying breaks didn't change the sound either. the noise seems to be getting louder. I checked all the driveshafts and wheels and theres nothing rubbing on them. didn't seem to be any excessive play in the front wheels when jacked up. im thinking possibly front wheel bearings? sound right?

[Ruley73]

If the sound is a low-pitched groaning sound that increases in pitch as the speed increases then it is probably a bad wheel bearing. Generally you can narrow down which side it is by paying attention to when the sound intensifies and/or goes away when turning one direction or the other. I've found that the best way to do this is to aggressively change lanes while driving down the freeway.