I started getting an awful grinding noise from my driver side wheel and at first I thought I had completly used up my brake pads but after taking the tire off my pads are still half way. Now I'm confused as to where the grinding is coming from. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have a '96 4WD Automatic 4runner. Thanks

 

Wheel bearings. Also, check your rotors for damage. If a rock scored them up, they would be eating the pads and causing a horrible sound since they would be misshappen.

 

Thanks. I know it's not the rotors because I took apart that whole side of the suspension and added new brakes and the rotors were clean. You're the second person that tells me its the wheel bearing. Is that something difficult to replace? Where could I find the parts for it? Thanks

 

Jack the bad side off the ground and check for play side to side. A bad bearing will also probably spin very rough or have considerable drag.

A factory manual or at the least a Haynes manual will have the steps you need to follow. I'd check with Toyota for bearings.