If it were rubbing on the strut, you would see the spot... and prolly see it on the tires. I have winter tires on now, and there is extra noise. It's due to the blocked knobs on the tires (think of how those knobby tires or big trucks sound). I honestly say it's the bearing if it's not the hum of the tire. I wouldn't take it back to that Ford tech either. Those tires are the stock size for 98 and 99 Tours. The same tire size Ford put on their SVT wheels. If there is rubbing of any sort, you'd see it on both the tire and the strut.
