Whistling sound at speed?

[Art]

Hi guys,
1994 Ranger 2WD
Having an issue with my truck, where at about 40mph I start getting a whistle-like noise. If i take it out of gear and let it idle in neutral it still makes the noise as long as I'm doing 40+. As i go faster it seems to increase in pitch. I have been noticing it for the past few days but just now on my way home it started sounding really crazy several whistle-like noises at different pitches at about 50mph, and I thought I noticed some vibration. It's nasty outside here tonight so I plan to jump in in the morning. I'm trying to find out the first things I should check. Any ideas?
Thanks
Art

 

[martin]

I had a wheel bearing do that, sounded like a jet engine.

 

[97RangerXLT]

Yeah, check the wheel bearings.

If those check out, take a look to see that all of the trim on the truck is glued/ fastened. could be a loose peice of trim that air is going over/ under. I would especially look at the windshield trim.

AJ

 

[FritzTKatt]

Grab your driveshaft and shake it. Could also be the carrier bearing is going.

 

[Art]

Hey there is some shake in the shaft right at that carrier bearing im gonna buy one and try it.

 

[FritzTKatt]

You'll have to press it on or have a shop do it. It's not just bolt on...

I didn't have a press but the local driveshaft shop did it for like $50.

EDIT: I really think wheel bearings are more likely. Jack up the front tires and try to shake them. They should be pretty solid (maybe a 1/16" movement from top to bottom), and should spin freely making almost no noise.

 

[Haywire6000]

My mirrors will do that if they are set just right.

 

[ElectraRider]

we carry a ladder on our work trucks we filled the rungs with foam, because they would
whine like a big dog at any speed. so explore all possibilities.

 

[SenorNoob]

Are you SURE all of the windows are COMPLETELY closed? I've had that one before. Passenger left the window open just slightly. Like half a tooth on the roller slightly.