'84 5kS still 'moaning'

["G. Benedikt Rochow" <rochow@segosf.hlo.dec.com>]

Whenever I turn the steering wheel the slightest bit to the
right, the front of the car emits a grinding/moaning/howling noise.
i.e. at about 10-15 mph, it's a slight metallic grinding sound,
above that up to about 25, it turns to louder moaning, and above that,
it's a bit of a howl that gets apparently quieter as other
noises start covering it up.
The noise comes and goes very promptly at just-right-of-center, and
gets a tad louder during the first few degrees of turning.

Is this a simple sign of a bad wheel bearing, or is there
a part of the hub that needs occasional lubrication
(i.e. something neglected by the PO); any other ideas?

TIA,
-G. Benedikt Rochow