G Farris wrote:

I was thinking something like that too - except in some large airliners,
like the 777, they do not "drop" into that position, but they are pushed by
hydraulic actuators.

Yes, but the first thing that happens during the 777 retract sequence
is that the actuators tilt the gear.

I've heard the sound you're referring to as well, I think. I'm wondering
if the 777 has some kind of automatic wheel spin brake.