There can be several issues that will cause your lawnmower to make a whining noise. The most common reason is a bad bearing in the mower deck.
Yes they can make a grinding noise, if they are bad.
If the mower has an electric starter, the gear on the starter is worn. Replacement is not hard and the part (a plastic gear) is relatively inexpensive.
Normally a rusty rotor would not make a grinding noise. A grinding noise from the brakes usually indicated that the pads or shoes are worn down.
lol change your brake pads they make a grinding noise when its time to replace
In most cases removing the deck will make the job easier and faster.
A grinding noise form a wheel is usually caused by a bad wheel bearing.
your barrins in the wheels
All fans will make a "whooshing noise" If there is a squeaking or grinding noise the fan motor needs to be replaced/refurbished.
It could make a grinding type noise when moving slow. A "whirrr" type whine when moving faster. The grinding noise may change to a clunking noise when turning the wheel. Any of these noises means "fix me now or else."
lift the yoke gaurd door and make sure that the front yoke is turned so that the split side is up, then pull the rotator handle. the deck will then drop. then make sure that the mower deck is at the lowest position. go to the front of the mower deck and lift by the two handles until it locks in place. the locking pin is on the left side as you face the mower from the front. be prepared it weighs about 175 lbs. these instructions apply to the 60" deck. good luck.
why does my 1996 ford tarus wagon make noise when i turn key in ignition