My passenger front brake is making noise but only when there is someone in the passenger seat. It makes a swooshing sound and it's repetitive. I'm pretty sure the brakes aren't bad and the shocks passed the push down test. Has anyone else ever had something like this happen? Where would you recommend starting?

 

You can start by telling us what year, model, engine, trans, 2WD or 4WD

 

Sorry about that. It's a 2003, 4 door, automatic and she's 4WD.

 

What speed/range do you hear the noise?
Does the noise change if you apply the brakes?
Does the noise change pitch if you rapidly change lanes? If so, it could be a wheel bearing, very common on these vehicles. If it's a bearing, vehicle body weight shift, (body roll) left to right, or right to left will make the noise change pitch.

 

The only time it makes noise is when I have a passenger and I'm braking. It doesn't matter how fast I'm going. I replaced the wheel bearings earlier this year.

 

That would be a pretty good indication that it's something to do with the brakes Might want to pull the wheel off and take a look. Might be the backing plate just barely touching the rotor, could be a pad retainer clip is touching the rotor. Basically look for witness marks of something dragging on the rotor, there will probably be a shiny spot or a line where something is touching it.

 

Umm....your passengers don't eat a lot of beans do they?

 

I took everything off and it all looks good. the brake pads were good, the rotor wasn't warped, and nothing looks like it's rubbing. I checked the tire for play and the only thing going on is a very small amount of play when grabbed at 3 and 9. I know that's wheel bearing but it's not even a year old. how much play is too much? does this sound like something that could happen with a wheel bearing?

 

Ideally there should be zero play. 3 and 9 o'clock play is steering linkage: tie rod end, idler arm, pitman arm, gear box, center link, or control arm bushing. 6 and 12 o'clock play is wheel bearing, ball joint or control arm bushing. There are exceptions, but that's the general rule.

 

I just took it for a ride to the store with my wife and it seems like somehow taking it apart and putting it back together fixed it. I don't like it when that happens though because I'm fairly positive there is an underlying issue that needs to be fixed.