What could cause a sort of growling noise from.

But it doesnt sound like it is coming from the brakes. I replaced the brake a few months ago. The noise began to occur in the past week or two. It sounds like its somewhere from the engine or exhaust manifold. Could it have anything to do with the catalytic converter or the exhaust manifold gasket? Thanks again

I used the brakes recommended by the auto shop. And like I said, that was a while ago, the car ran and stopped great when I replaced them. The car doesnt squeel or grind, the noise sounds like a really bad exhaust or something, yet there are no holes in the exhaust pipe or muffler that I can see. It's not my car, but Im trying to be as specific as I can be, recalling from my memory. The growling noise doesnt occur just when you press the brakes, but when you release your foot off the gas. Sorry about that. It is when I drive and approach a stop, I release the gas pedal to get ready to hit the brakes, and it growls/purrs until I come to a stop. Hope this helps. Thanks

Ok I will try it this weekend and let you know whether it does or doesnt, as well as any other information I can gather. Thanks for your time.

Yeah it still makes that noise in nuetral. It also occurs when accelerating, but not when accelerating slowly. It's not a loud head turning noise, but it is noticeable. Like I said it sounds sort of like a bad muffler or something, but it comes from the front of the car. Maybe im just over reacting? Thanks again.

Yeah thats kind of what I'm thinking, just wanted to see if anything else could be the problem, something I may not know about. Is there a way to tell? I mean are there any tests I can do besides just taking it apart and inspecting it? Thanks for your input.