Chevrolet Repair: 1998 Chevy Malibu dragging noises, chevy malibu, wheel bearing

Question
Hi Mark:

This may be a bit vague, but maybe you can help us go in the right direction. My girlfriend has a '98 Malibu, app. 75,000 miles. Nothing major done to it recently, besides having the brakes replaced about 1.5 yrs. ago. She said it started making noises leaving work last night, like something was dragging, but she couldn't see anything when she pulled over. Her note to me:

"Did not make the sound at all on the way to work yesterday. Heard it immediately upon backing out of my parking space and heading out. It was a high pitched squeal at first. That's what made me pull over to look underneath the car. It only made it when accelerating. Sitting still, the car was very quiet. As I said, it sounded like I was dragging something. It came from the front left tire (driver side). The sound accelerated as the car accelerated. It was not influenced by the steering wheel. Braking seemed normal, but I was on very slippery roads last night."

Any first ideas about what a mechanic should be telling us and looking for?

Thanks.

Frank

Answer
Hi Frank, The first thing to check is the brakes. Sounds to me like they need to be replaced. I would also install new rotors when you do this job. There is really nothing else there other than the wheel bearing and they don't squeek.

Have a Great Day    Mark