....squealing, grinding noise coming from left front wheel well area on my 2001 cherokee classic. Noise is loud and happens in reverse or drive, whether I turn wheel or not. Any help for this jeep newbie would be much appreciated

 

Wheel bearing might be my first guess.

Brakes worn so bake, metal on metal, would be my second guess. ( Look at both sides of the brake rotor and see if there are grooves ground into the brake surface area - should be smooth )

 

x2 on the wheel bearing... also check your brakes just in case... does it stil make the sound under breaking?

you could also jack your front up and see if the wheel has play..

 

It dosn't get louder when braking. So, it could be the brakes even though I'm not depressing brake pedal?

 

Look! take the tire off and feel for play in the u joint, wheel bearing, unusual silver streaks in things usually mean they are rubbing. I even hazarded to think for half a minute maybe something in the diff? Not sure, but check for shiney new metal and I bet you'll find the problem.