noise from front left wheel well

Hi, my 2004 just started (last 24 hours) making a 'whirring' noise that is definitely coming from the left front wheel well. It almost sounds like rubber rubbing against metal. It does not get louder as speed increases but is does go faster. No squealing, and it doesn't seem to be affected when turning either direction.


Does anyone have any ideas as to what might be causing this ? I am worried this isn't safe or will cause more problems driving until I can afford to have it checked out.

Thank you so much for your help.

Doris

Have you looked to see if anything is rubbing on the tire? Perhaps the wheel well liner (plastic liner) has fallen down?

If you don't find anything hanging another possibility could be the wheel bearing is going bad. Of course this noise will get louder as time passes. A way to tell is while driving the car turn the steering well to the right and left, shifting the load of the car and see if you hear any difference in the loudness of the noise in question.