front hub assembly???

[ranger98v]

i just drove the 200 miles home from Vermont last night and about 3/4 of the way home i noticed what i think is the front bearing/hub assembly. it sounds like a grinding noise...kind of. Is there any way to determine if this is what's going bad? (from my home garage) i hope it's not the bearing as they are rather pricey from my local Ford dealer, $312. I had the driver side done about a year ago. the axel shaft/cv would make more of a clicking sound, right? any help or suggestions would be highly valued. thanks in advance.

 

[Jspafford]

Jack up the front of the truck and spin each tire both directions. Check to see if there is any roughness or grinding when you spin the tires by hand.

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

When it's jacked up, grab the top and bottom of the tire and shake it. Check for play.