another grinding/creaking noise thread!

i noticed the other day that when i reverse and turn i hear the noise come from what sounds like my driver side front tire. it only does it when i am backing up, i can't reproduce the noise when going forward. left or right doesn't seem to matter.

i have also noticed the noise to a lesser degree when going over speed bumps and traveling straight.

i just replaced shocks all around so i doubt it is those, and when i replaced them everything looked good (but i am new to fixing my own truck).

from what i can find on the forum it sounds like it is a possible wheel bearing (i've heard it's easy to replace?). but i ran across another thread and the infamous 'power steering noise' or something was mentioned. any thoughts on where to start looking to get this resolved?

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94 Ranger XLT standard cab, 2WD, manual, 4 banger FTW!