I drive a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt LT. For the past couple weeks, whenever I turn left going at about 40 MPH or faster, I would hear a loud vibrating/grinding noise. It's quiet when I turn right tho. The noise starts even if I make a slight turn (when changing lanes for example).

Any ideas what it may be? I suspect it is the wheel bearing, but I would like a 2nd opinion please.

 

Most likely a wheel bearing but could also be brakes. Pull the front wheels and check the wear on both sides to make sure the wear is even, not a hung up caliper. Any warning lights coming on?

 

No warning lights

 

My vote is that it is a hub bearing

 

Checking the brakes sound easy and I can take off the brake pads and brake disk to check the wheel bearings, but what signs are there that the wheel bearings need to be replaced?

 

How many miles are on the odometer?

I did a search on google for "how to determine if a hub bearing is bad"

You might get your answers faster there, than waiting for answers here.

 

Very likely it's the bearings. You can grab the wheel with the front end off the ground and pull on it in different directions and check to see if there is any play. Also, don't just replace one bearing if that's what you decide to do. Make sure you replace both front bearings at the same time.

 

I would also suspect bearing.

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone!