Moaning "tugboat" sound, wheel bearings?

[tmblackflag]

Howdy,

I've got this moaning tugboat type sound that i was thought was a sticking caliper. I've since replaced all 4 calipers and flushed the braking system and the problem persists. It doesn't happen every time, but often when stopped and letting the clutch out partway to roll forward the sounds begin. It goes away if i partially depress the brakes (but not necessarily enough to stop the car) or if i speed up or stop.

I'm thinking it might be the wheel bearings. Do you agree and is if so is there a proper wheel bearing failure test?

[kodioneill]

A failing wheel bearing makes a moaning sound that increases with speed this doesn't sound like your problem. I cant think of an explanation for your problem.

[euro911sc]

CV joint

[dshepp806]

Sure does sound brake (system) related,......mmmm.

Doyle

[JAR0023]

Originally Posted by dshepp806

Sure does sound brake (system) related,......mmmm.

Doyle

+1 I've had several cars where I could induce the moaning sound at any time by letting up on brake pedal pressure just the right amount. -J

[Targalid]

Wheel bearing noise changes as you swing the car left and right while driving at normal speed. The noise will be louder turning either left or right. Often the noise of a wheel bearing begins as a low growling noise which eventually degrades, over many miles to a shrill screech. Your description does not match this sound.

[T77911S]

a wheel bearing will not go away. it will be a growling sound as mentioned or imagine rough, dry bearings trying to turn.
not sure what a tugboat would sound like.

CV joint, something in the clutch itself, parking brake.

[CCM911]

I have had the same thing on my car for 10 years now. A buddy of mine insists that it happens when the rotor begins to warp ever so slightly, and the pads rub on the high spot.

As perfectly stated by others, a bad bearing will change its sound when you swing the car right and left.

I plan to replace my front rotors and rebuild the calipers in a few weeks. If the moaning stops, I will let you know.

[tmblackflag]

Originally Posted by CCM911

I have had the same thing on my car for 10 years now. A buddy of mine insists that it happens when the rotor begins to warp ever so slightly, and the pads rub on the high spot.

As perfectly stated by others, a bad bearing will change its sound when you swing the car right and left.

I plan to replace my front rotors and rebuild the calipers in a few weeks. If the moaning stops, I will let you know.

Thanks. Calipers are brand new but rotors are old. I've only owned the car one year so not sure age of rotors. But they didn't appear warped when I had the calipers off.

Tugboat noise is the best description I could come up with.

[tmblackflag]

Originally Posted by CCM911

I have had the same thing on my car for 10 years now. A buddy of mine insists that it happens when the rotor begins to warp ever so slightly, and the pads rub on the high spot.

As perfectly stated by others, a bad bearing will change its sound when you swing the car right and left.

I plan to replace my front rotors and rebuild the calipers in a few weeks. If the moaning stops, I will let you know.

Also, with the brake fluid flushed and bled properly shouldn't the pads not rub at all? I flushed the fluid two weeks ago but had the noise before and after.