I'm not super great with reel diagnostics, but I do baseline reel maintenance (cleaning, lubing, etc) but I never take apart any of them to do the full surgery. I've noticed a little bit of a rougher retrieve when I crank the handle. I wouldn't call it a grinding noise, that is too far. But it's noisy and I can feel something as I turn the crank

 

I've never had this problem on any of my other reels, but this is my least expensive in my arsenal. Looking to begin doing surgery on my own reels so any suggestions on where and how to look/start that would be awesome

I would start by cleaning out all the old grease and replacing it (I like Penn Reel Grease and Corrosion X). Also I would clean and re-lube the worm gear and the level wind pawl. If the issue persists then look at the bearing under the main gear shaft.