growling in the front end????

i have a 2001 that developed a growling noise in the front end and am not sure where else to look. i thought maybe tires (road noise) but had it on lift so tires off the ground and still there. i does it in forward and reverse. it seems to pick up with speed. the boots on the cv joints are in great shape with no tears. fluid level is good and dont smell burnt. im leaning more towards something like a bearing but not sure what to look for. any help is appreciated.

dewey

sounds u have bad beaing. drive car the highway with the windows up see if it gets louder as you go faster

A high pitched tone or whine is a fast track to the wheel bearing assembly, a VERY common issue. Pitch goes with vehicle speed and usually, the noise level will increase if you turn in a direction, lower in the opposite direction. Changing the wheel bearing hub assembly is a rather simple operation, given you have a large socket box (1 3/8" ) for the shaft nut. Former years required a #55 torx bit for the 3 hub assembly bolts but 2001 has normal hex bolts.
COme back if you need more details about the operation, that I conducted several times on my car and sons's cars
edit...: mm..details here that can help
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=294552
.....and although it is mentioned , a puller is definitely NOT required.

just to update. i replaced both front wheel assemblies, and the van is like new. thanks again for all the help.

dewey