Very faint grinding noise from 0-5mph

[myowngod]

I did a search and it looks like the general consensus is the wheel bearing, but I've had bad wheels bearings go bad before and recall the noise being much more pronounced (especially at speed). I mean you only really hear it if all the windows are up, no throttle just driving under the idle power, and it goes away the moment it has any real throttle applied... doesn't change if you turn or don't... I was thinking sticky caliper, maybe? I think a bad CV joint/driveshaft would be more pronounced, no? Any tips how to diagnose this? any help is appreciated.

 

[dohc-bird]

I've worked on quite a few cars with the same complaint
Almost every one was brake related.
Make sure the slides for the caliper are clean free of debris and move freely

 

[myowngod]

I had an odd feeling it could be brake related, I'll take a peek at the caliper this evening. Thank you for your input.

 

[1AJeremyD]

I would have to agree that it most likely is a brake issue. The brakes could be binding up just enough to make a noise at low speed. The wheel bearing would be a constant growl and would increase with vehicle speed. Check the slides as well as the metal retainer clip that goes on the caliper mounting bracket that the pads slide on.

 

[myowngod]

I couldn't find anything wrong with the caliper/pads... when the car was jacked up i put it in neutral and spun the wheel and could hear the same grinding/crackle/pop as it turned... still very faint.. I'm worried it's the differential, but I won't have time to really dig into it until this weekend.. any ideas in the meantime?