Coming home from work tonight my XJR started making a new sound. It's coming from the rear of the car (or at least behind me). It goes woo woo woo woo - kind of like the spaceships in a really old black and white science fiction movie. It slows when I slow. When I stop and then get under way again, the sound doesn't return for a few minutes, but then comes back. It doesn't happen when I rev the car in neutral or park. I'm thinking a rear wheel bearing. What else should I consider?

How long can I drive it before it really goes. I'm only asking because I have to go about 400 miles tomorrow morning...of course...

Thanks in advance.

 

The wishful thinking answer is to check the air in the tires.

A bad wheel bearing might be good for about 300 miles.

 

Rear brake pads low? Possible caliper dragging?

 

Brakes are new-ish all the way around - ceramic pads. I have thought about a caliper dragging, but it's a strange sound, not like a brake squeal. Air pressure is good in the tires. Anything else? Any other bearings to consider other than the wheel bearings?

 

Were there flashing red and blue lights in your mirrors?

 

Yes, but I outran them so I could concentrate on this sound...