2006 Kia Optima LX. It has recently started making a screeching/grinding noise (sort of like metal being dragged) when I turn left. It starts after I have been driving for about 15 minutes at speeds over 40mph... but once it starts, it continues even at slower speeds. It immediately stops once I turn the wheel to the right and decreases in volume when I apply the brakes. I have done some research and there seem to be a number of possibilities, including the power steering, wheel bearings, and the cv axle. Unfortunately, I am clueless when it comes to cars, so any thoughts would be much appreciated! Thank you

The right front wheel bearing may be bad. When you turn to the left, it loads the right wheel bearings. Wheel bearings, however, tend to need replacing around 100,000 miles.

If the power steering pump was bad, the noise would not be audible only if you turned to the left. Similarly, CV joint noise is usually a clicking sound.

Another possibility is something (e.g. small twig) lodged between the hub and the brake disc.

What side does the noise come from?

Sounds to me as a wear tab on one of your brake pads. Once they get down to 2mm or so, they drag on the brake rotor to alert the driver to have them checked.

Yes, kitch428, that makes a lot of sense, especially on a relatively new car. You nailed it.

Therefore, replace the front brake pads with the same OEM pads that came on the car, change the brake fluid, and lubricate the caliper pins with silicone grease.

Yes, the key word said here was "the screeching" sound followed by the grinding.
Wear indicators make a very high pitched noise and I'll bet one of those pads are already digging into a rotor.

Very descriptive post, thank you.

Brakes don't last forever, people. Once noises like this are heard, save a bundle of money by getting it checked right away.
OEM pads are the way to go. Sure, more money than discount auto, but look how long (and quiet) your original pads lasted.

Thank you for the advice. I plan to take it in to have it looked at asap so to avoid further damage.