Toyota: Toyota Corolla, wheel bearing, toyota corolla

Question
My daughter in dallas reports that her 1996 corolla drives great, but recently she hears a slight grinding noise at low speeds, 1 or 2 mph as she turns the steering wheel. As she speeds up and drives normally no noise. Any ideas before I send her to the dealership. She has 96000 miles. And new front tires.

Answer
Hi David,

Could be the brake pads dragging.  Or could be a wheel bearing getting dry (although I think they're sealed and maintenance-free on Corolla).  Or it could be in the front suspension, since it happens when turning the steering wheel.  That's one of those things I'd just have to hear for myself to diagnose.  It probably wouldn't hurt to take it to the dealer, since its coming up on that 100K mark very soon.

SherryB