2001 Odd front end noise

[AndrewG]

Hey all. Had a bad wheel bearing. No trouble figuring it out as it made the classic growling noise (and I let it do that for well over a year, and let it get worse before I changed it).
However, now there is a new noise that I can't find. It sounds for all the world like when the wear alert on the pads scratches the rotor to let you know it's time for pads... But it's not that. I just did the brakes, and have taken the wheel back off 2X to visually confirm that's not the issue. Plus, the wear things let you know, but stop when you step on the brake. That doesn't happen here. It keeps right on doing it. Less if you're going straight or to the right, really bad if you're going left (this is the passenger side [I THINK] I just realized I never mentioned which side).
The bearing was a 40$ special from Rock Auto or some such on line. I don't mind replacing it again, but they're over double that from Auto Zone or whoever... And I don't want to do it to find out that wasn't it. I noticed the outboard cv joint boot is failing and throwing grease onto the lower control arm, but I have never heard an axle fail making that sound.
Figured I'd put it out here and see if anyone had a similar problem.

Thanks guys!

[gmtech1]

Check and be sure the backing plate is not rubbing on the rotor. Also, check the little metal seats that the pads sit in on the bracket. Sometimes they get bent and hit the rotor also.

[AndrewG]

Originally Posted by gmtech1

Check and be sure the backing plate is not rubbing on the rotor. Also, check the little metal seats that the pads sit in on the bracket. Sometimes they get bent and hit the rotor also.

Checked the clips (had the thought one of them may have shifted.) Did not check the back plate. Had the wheel off the ground and was spinning it, couldn't do it fast enough to replicate the sound. Will check that this weekend. Thank you.

[gmtech1]

Be sure to install one wheel nut when the wheel is off to hold the rotor against the hub.

[la1]

check the engine splash guards, I had one of those pop out a little and it was rubbing against the tire.