So I've got a pfluger supreme spinning reel that I've had for a few years and it started feeling sluggish, so I decided to clean it. After cleaning and reassembling the reel it is now grinding when I turn the handle. I'm no stranger to servicing/repairing reels, but I am stumped as to why this is happening. Everything is exactly the same as before, except for the copious amout of grease packed into the reel from the factory. Anyone ever come across something like this? 

sounds like you didn't line up the pinion and main gear correctly in the frame

If that were the case, the cover wouldn't fit back on either. What kind of lubricant did you use? I use Super Lube for all my gears in all reels now, and just a light machine oil in bearings.

My guess is the bearings are probably still dirty.  

Often spinning reels have shims (they look like very thin washers) on the main drive gear. If you didn't replace the shim(s) in the same manner as from the factory, the gears will feel rough. 

No offense, but that reel wasn't re-assembled correctly. 

Been there, done that, so I know  

It's time to disassemble and reassemble with careful use of the schematic, which can be found online.

Next time, take a series of close-up pics when breaking down a reel. 

If all else fails, contact Delaware Valley Tackle (a sponsor) and have them do damage control for you. They do great work.

Amount or type of grease won't cause grinding especially suddenly. Something is out of alignment or not seated perfectly. It doesn't take much. Sometimes you redo it what seems like the exact same way then it works fine. It's impossible to diagnose sight unseen. 

Thanks for the advice guys. I agree it is 100 percent something I have done in reassembling the reel. It's not a bearing, it is definitely gears rubbing something the wrong way. I've taken it apart 3 or 4 times now with no success. What's weird is when I pull out on the handle and turn, there is no grinding. But just turning it normally there is grinding. I'll keep messing with it tonight. I'm sure I'm just being stupid and missing something lol.

Is there a arrow on the main gear that needs to be pointed in a certain direction when you put into place. I've seen other reels with same thing. Put back together with out that aligned properly could do it. 

Could always make a trip to DVT day spa. 

the alignment arrows are for the concentric oscillator gear. If they're out of adjudtment you usually feel a thump at the top and bottom of the stroke. id look at the where the main shaft meets the oscillator gear. Make sure it's all seated fully and the main gear teeth aren't dragging on it.