Whining that gets progressively higher at highway speeds?
 

Picked up an 04 ranger the other day super excited. Only thing is it’s got this whining that gets louder as you go faster and starts at about 55 mph. Starts just kind of like the engine is being winded out or you forgot to shift but as you get past 60 to 65 or so it sounds like it’s got a big supercharger on it.

Ive read a lot of the forum posts on whining, and a lot say it’s the power steering pump, but it doesn’t really do it at low speeds, and when I’m turning at really really low speeds like before I even go it doesn’t whine it just kinda creaks a little which I don’t mind since it’s an old truck. I’ve also heard some say it’s the serpentine belt which I believe needs to be replaced soon, but I don’t think it’s that as it doesn’t squeak or anything. I’ve heard that the crankshaft pulley can go and whine but don’t those usually go relatively quick? I’ve also heard it can be the IAC motor but not sure how I would know if it’s that.

Kinda just looking to see if anyone’s had the same problem or if anyone knows what could be going on with it or how to fix it. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Could be a couple things. Could be an idler pulley on the front end accessory drive, could be a fan clutch that does not disengage, could be a slightly collapsing air intake tube. What engine?

It’s got the 3.0 liter V6 in it

just a quick way to isolate where it is coming from.

if the pitch changes when you shift gears, start checking items on the engine such as Idler pulley, fan clutch, etc.

If it stays constant, start checking driveline and suspension.

Just noticed. since you say it starts around 55 MPH, this may not work. You can also try dropping it out of Overdrive and see what whining does.

Let her spend more money on things she wants too, things she likes to do when shopping.