Grinding in the Front End

[thewalrus]

I'm the proud owner of a stock 1989 Festiva L.

I bought the car a few months ago, and ever since I've had it there has been a grinding noise in the front end anytime the car is rolling. It seems to be getting louder the more I drive, so I think this is something that needs to be corrected before too much more driving takes place.

Aside from changing the front shocks on my '72 Beetle last year, I have no experience with suspension work of any kind. Could this be CV joints wearing out? Wheel Bearings?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[mattswabb]

Mine was making a terrible grinding noise up front. Turned out it was the brake dust shield falling off into the rotor.

Jack the car up and spin the wheels and listen.

[thewalrus]

Is this a mechanical sense that develops over time, or am I completely lacking in the common sense needed to repair my own car? Every time someone makes a suggestion on this site, it makes perfect sense and I have one of those slap-the-forehead-because-it's-so-painfully-obvious moments.

I'll get the Fest up on jackstands and check this out first thing in the morning!