Trouble shooting a whine

[samurphy]

97 Ranger XLT Extended Cab 2.3l 2WD Manual... Uh She's also red.

Okay, so I have a high pitched whine that seems to come from the front of the truck. It occurs when I first start driving, but I can hear it later intermittently. My mother heard it and asked why my truck makes "airplane sounds." My first thought was that it might be a spun bearing.

Six months ago, when I had all brakes completely replaced, I was told that the rear bearings were bad.

I've also noticed reduced fuel economy. About 6 months ago I was getting 20-25mpg combined and now it's more like 16-20mpg.

I'm really unsure about how to proceed troubleshooting at this point. I'd like to know for sure if it's coming from the front or rear... but it's hard to tell while I'm driving. If I could narrow it down, I wouldn't be too adverse to just replace parts as I have the previous owner's receipts (old, anal lady) and I know what work she had done on it from 99 to Dec '07 (when I bought it). So, I have an idea of what has never been touched since 99.

I'm looking for some advice that could help me move in the correct direction.

 

[prefab08]

i would try and fine exactly where the wine is coming from and when exactly it happens. with that info a fue ppl here my be able to point you in the right direction.

 

[samurphy]

Well, I seem to hear it when speeds are low... like <5mph and never at a standstill. I've only had her for about a year, so I'm not really sure where typical trouble spots are that would cause these symptoms. My understanding is that the front bearings are part of the hub/brake disc assembly and since that was replaced in July '08 I can most likely rule that out.

I'm thinking that if it is in the rear then it's most likely the rear bearings, but if it really is in the front, what could I look at to narrow the search?

 

[prefab08]

k well here goes the truck is an super cab so check your hanger bearing on your drive shaft. if that fails , try having a trusted person run the truck at around 5 mph < on the jack stands , if there is no noise at that time try having your tusted friend run it up and down the street while standing near or walking beside to locate the genreal area the noise is coming from that all may give you a clue to what it is.
if all that fails let me know and we will go from there.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

I'd check the front wheel bearings out

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

check your front wheel bearings because they have a tendancy to loosen themselves and bad things can happen then. just becuase they were done in 08' doesnt mean they were done right or that quality parts were used.

 

[feellnfroggy]

Could be brakes too.