For the noise, check to see if it's the worn-out brake pad indicator. It's a little metal finger on the inboard pad that scrapes against the rotor. Usually makes a fingernail-on-chalkboard screetching sound, but once when it's just starting to rub mine sounded pretty much like you describe.

Wheel bearing can make grinding noises if it's getting TIGHT as it fails. Getting loose isn't the only way for a wheel bearing to fail.