testing for bad bearings is easy...

jack it up then try to wiggle the wheel by pushing the top in towards the car and pulling the bottom out towards you and then switch ... if there is noticeable play then you need a new bearing (or it needs to be re-torqued) if it's got big tires you need to REALLY beat on it (don't be shy, remember it holds the lateral weight of the vehicle going around a corner) it should be rock solid with no noticeable movement.

Testing the brakes is simple too... does the pitch change or go away when you apply the brakes?

if the vehicle has a 2WD mode then it makes the CVs less likely since they shouldn't be turning unless it's engaged... but it's not out of the question.

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Another really cool trick that I use to find the source of noises... if you can easily reproduce the noise with the wheel off then get a rubber hose and an ear plug... shove the plug in one ear, and the rubber hose in the other... you'll only hear noises at the end of the hose so you'll be able to pin point where the noise is coming from

this trick also works for engine bay sounds, and getting rid of squeaks and rattles in the cabin.