After braking hard yesterday to avoid an idiot who decided to change lanes without looking...im noticing a high pitched sound coming from my front passenger side wheel. I thought at first that it was my brakes since they are getting low and wore them down more than normal on that hard braking. But the sound continues as Im driving with the wheels turning and not applying brakes. Its like a "wha wha wha" sound but high pitched.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance

 

Hub assembly?

 

SOMETIMES, as you mentioned, brake pads needing replacement make a sometimes inconsistent squealing sound when driving (wear indicators). When you apply the brakes the sound stops.

 

+1 on the brake disc wear indicators. That would be a likely candidate given that you know that your pads are getting low.

 

If it IS in fact the brakes. I might recommend getting a set of Ceramic Pads.. Yes, I know, they cost more up front, BUT, they last a LOT longer. I am not an easy driver on brakes, and I just replaced hub assembly and rotated tires, and checked the pads/rotors, much much better life from the pads.