Cant quite figure this out..96 Honda Civic HX w/ 248,000 miles.

When I am driving, I have this sound that sounds like a small little pebble being dragged against the rotor.

It increases with speed.

It goes away COMPLETELY when I apply the brakes.

It is on the front driver's side tire only.

I can smell a little bit of "burnt brake" smell after I stop driving, but it doesnt come from near the wheel but up the hood near the windshield.

I put new brake pads on about 15K ago, been this way for about 10K, just getting a little more noticeable.

For some reason, I have had trouble with small pebbles (twice now) jumping in there (same wheel only) and getting between the rotor and caliper and making this sound; however, I just remove the wheel, pop them out, and I dont see any pebbles now. Plus I have the smell too.

Dragging caliper maybe? However, I can spin the wheel normally w/o resistance, though I can faintly hear the sound. I just dont want my brakes to lock up on me when I'm driving down the interstate...

thanks!