2006 Prius front end noise?

Possibly someone could help with suggestions for noise in my front end. I know there is a lot of stuff going on there so let me try and narrow it down please.
Noise is more like a groan not a squeak, tick, not an engine noise or a brake noise. Applying the brakes or turning the wheels does not make a noise. Best way to describe it to me it is like a bad bearing type of noise. The noise is starting to get louder.
Any ideas and I thank you.

 

And I thought I was giving a lot of description! Ha

I do not hear the noise all the time. But maybe the noise is in the starting stages a( month or so). Noise is just when I am rolling not at idle. Noise does not get louder with speed. Cold or warm coasting or accelerating noise is there. But the noise is louder at times and I hear it more at low speeds or coasting. The noise is gradually getting louder.
I would almost want to call the noise a bearing type noise. Like friction or rubbing. At times I think the noise is when I turn slightly to the right but actually center to right.
Anything?
Thanks

 

Thank you but I am not sure what you mean by "using the friction brakes"?

 

Thanks, Yesterday on the way to work I did coast in neutral and did apply the brakes. I have to pay close attention today and do it again. Without really thinking about noises and such I swear there was no noise or less noise. I hope it was not my imagination. I will keep you informed and thanks again for the replies.

 

Ok just a fast update here. Nothing has helped the off and on again noise. Noise appears louder now and almost like a growl in the front. I hear it mostly when coasting and sometimes turning to the right. I guess I need to wait till the noise is louder and constant.
thanks

 

Yes the noise, which is again a low grade groan, grind type, does slightly make the noise to the right when turning. Not so much the left but certainly straight on and also coasting. Not braking. So maybe a right wheel bearing situation. But not really terribly loud at this point. Although the wife drove the car yesterday and said "what is that noise-you better get it fixed"! Getting louder for sure but I am not confident enough in the noise to appear if I take a ride with someone. So I guess at this point I need to be in a holding pattern till the noise becomes louder. This as long as it does not sound like an engine/transmission noise.
Thanks so much.

 

Hello and thanks-Peoria, IL area.

 

Ok I still have this issue unresolved and my noise is getting louder in the front end. I was planning on making an appointment with Toyota tomorrow as I am a little worried about being broken down or worse.
So the question I have, after getting a toyota recall today for the steering extension shaft, does anyone know what symptons this recall may have and or noises associated with a defective part?
I just wonder if this could be my problem as it is not brakes and it does make noises towards more the center of the car when I move the steering wheel while driving.

 

I had my normal mechanic (many, many years experience) drive with me and he did not think, from the sound that it was wheel bearings. He did not know what it was from the sound.
I will make an appointment and find out but I am never that confident with the toyota mechanic and noises.
But why I posted again was this steering recall and what noise may be associated with the steering extension shaft if it is faulty.
I will eventually resolve the issue and report it here.
Thanks