2002 Ford ranger has recently began making a howling sound after the engine is warmed up, around the fan area?

The power steering pump may be low on fluid. But are you sure that howling sound isn't coming from the intake manifold area, more specifically the IAC (intake air control) valve... aka air by-pass valve? It is common for the Ranger and Explorer to emit a loud whine or hum in the engine compartment which is caused by a dirty or faulty IAC valve. I suggest you pull the black plastic cap off the IAC valve and pull the tiny felt filter out of the IAC air intake channel and see if that whine lessens or goes away. If it does then you need to remove and clean the IAC, and paying special attention to pull out that tiny filter under the black cap and clean it and the tiny air intake channel it filters. The noise occurs because the IAC air intake vent is restricted. If the howl is louder after cleaning the IAC then you did not thoroughly drain and dry all of the cleaner from the valve. If that does not stop the loud whine/howl then you should replace the IAC.2002 Ford ranger has recently began making a howling sound after the engine is warmed up, around the fan area?
Fan clutch is locking up.