Start driving your vehicle and make a right-hand turn and then make a left-hand turn. If the grinding noise gets worse when you turn in one direction and then gets better when you turn in the opposite direction, then the problem is most likely a wheel bearing.

You might notice a grinding noise when driving at low speeds. The most common causes are problems with your continual velocity joints, brake pads, wheel bearings or alternator.

Wheel bearings are vitally important to your safety and should not be ignored. Make sure you take your vehicle to a reliable mechanic as soon as possible to get it repaired.

Alternator: Your alternator converts the mechanical energy produced by your engine into electricity which will charge your vehicle's battery and other accessories that use electricity such as your lights and radio.

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We have already addressed some of these issues above, but let’s discuss the possibility of a continual velocity (CV) joint issue if you hear a grinding noise when driving at low speeds, especially if it’s coming from the front of your car.

You need to figure out where in the engine the grinding noise is coming from. If you are not familiar with the different parts of your engine, then look at your owner's manual or look online for a diagram of the parts of your engine.

Stop the vehicle and take a look at your brake pads. If you are not sure where to look, consult your owner's manual. If the pads are a quarter of an inch thick or less, then they probably need to be replaced.

Note: Don’t settle for the cheapest brake pads you can find. You run the risk of failure and collision. You will save money in the long run by choosing a reputable brand for your brake pads. Some of the best brake pad brands include Akebono, Stoptech, Wagner, EBC, Powerstop, and AC Delco.

Is your car making a grinding noise? Are you uncertain about what is causing it? It is important to determine the cause of the grinding noise. Here are some simple steps that even someone with little or no automotive experience can follow in order to diagnose the problem.

Once you figure out what is causing the problem, you can be better informed and feel more confident when you take it to an automotive specialist for repair.

If you hear a grinding noise while your car is changing gears, then the clutch could be getting worn out or it may need to be adjusted.

Power steering pump: The job of your power steering pump is to pressurize the hydraulic fluid in your power steering system. This helps you easily turn your steering wheel.

The following video will give you an idea of the sound that a bad wheel bearing makes. If you don't want to watch the whole video, jump to the 54-second (0:54) mark to hear the sound.

Water pump: Your water pump is one of the parts of your vehicle's cooling system. Its job is to help keep your car from overheating. It does this by circulating coolant from your radiator to your engine block.

If you hear a grinding noise when driving straight, this raises other questions seeing as it’s likely not a bearing or a joint. It could be anything from pebbles stuck in the brakes to a failing alternator.

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Here is the sound that a bad power steering pump will make. If you don't want to watch the entire video, skip ahead to the one-minute (1:00) mark to hear the sound of a bad power steering pump.

While you are driving, gently touch the brakes. If you hear grinding noises when driving and braking, try braking a little harder. If the sound gets worse, then you may have worn out brake pads.

The CV joint is what allows the front wheels to get power and turn properly, so if you hear the grinding noise when driving at low speeds - and especially when making turns - your CV joint may be worn out.

According to ItStillRuns.com, a great trick for listening to each separate part is to take a piece of a rubber hose and place one end on the alternator and hold the other end up to your ear. The hose will help you determine if the problem is with the alternator.

Once you start your vehicle, listen to see if the grinding sound starts right away or if it begins any time while the engine is running.