Ok, I've got a 98 Limited w/ 126K miles. I started it up yesterday and didn't notice any problems. Later on, I fired it up again and I noticed this whining sound coming from the engine. I popped the hood and the best I could tell is that its coming from the driver's side of the engine. Its not the belts (They were replace at 100K miles). The sound does increase when you rev the engine. It almost sounds like its coming from inside the overhead cam cover on the driver's side. There's no fluid leaking. I took it for a ride and didn't notice any decrease in power, just that stupid whining sound. Anyone else ever had this problem and what ended up being the problem. Thanks for your help guys.

 

Check the fluid level in the power steering pump. Low fluid there can make the noise you are describing...especially when turning.

 

Slap it upside the head and tell it to quit bellyaching.

Sorry couldn't resist

 

I have a '96 Runner and have a similar problem. It only occurrs when it gets cold out. Like this morning. It was 16 when I went out and started the truck. I get a whining sound coming from the front of the engine that will intensify when I rev the enging. No loss of power or any other noise as a result. Once the truck gets warmed up it goes away. I have had two different Toyota dealers look at it and they tell me that the early 3rd gens are known for this and that they have never been able to pinn the problem down to fix. I feel that it is either the fan clutch or the A/C tensioner pulley. If anybody has an answer or idea would be greatly appreciated.