i have a 2008 element, i just purchased 2-3 weeks ago.replaced the front brakes on the first day. a couple weeks later every once in awhile when applying the brake i hear a gurgling/grinding sound, only when travelling at low speeds.
I was sure it was the brakes, but got the wife to drive and stop while i was outside the car, and could not hear the noise at all from outside the car. yet it is audible and sounds like it is coming from the front drivers tire while sitting inside the car. I even opened the hood and listened for it standing with in a few feet of the car and still could not hear it.

with this in mind i ruled out the rotors and started looking for other possibilities.
The sound comes on when you depress the brakes, is not affected by steering side to side, or how hard you press on the brake pedal, nor is it consistent it will do it a bunch of times in a row then stop and not do it for days. Also does not matter if it is in neutral or drive. i suppose i can try it with the vehicle off next.

Any ideas guys (ABS?? i know how usually sounds like a buzzer, but i my previous vehicle was a 2001 sienna)

 

Looks like I posted this in the wrong section, once I am no longer a trial user I will repost in the proper area, sorry for any inconvenience

 

You've only had the car for 2-3 weeks? So the problem wasn't there when you first test drove it?

 

It does not happen all the time, can go days and not show a symptom, so I am not sure if it was preexisting

 

Maybe you should take the car in a safe parking lot and do some hard stop n' go with your car and see if the problem fixes itself. You can also just get under there to the suspension and brakes and make sure everything is tight and not loose. Other than that I hear Elements seems to have a problem with their brakes, so I would suggest you to go the Honda Element owners' forum (if there is any) and ask there.

 

Thanks a lot, I will try your suggestions then post in the honda element forum