19 1.4i energy noise from wheel

[E7J Energy]

The O/S front wheel is making a ticking noise, almost like there is a stone trapped in the tred of the tyre (but there isn't). The noise increases with road speed and not engine speed, The driveshaft is ok and so are the breaking components. The only thing I can put It down to, is a dry wheel bearing. I have looked in the haynes manual, and it says that the bearings are pre lubed and should last the life of the car. Has anyone else come accross this problem before?