I've had an odd grinding-ish sound from the passenger front side of the engine for the last week, almost sounds like the exhaust is loose or something, however the volume of the noise is not related to rpms...has anyone else experienced this?

 

Try driving down an empty street, put it in neutral, shut the engine off & let the car coast (turn the key to at least ACC so the steering is not locked). This will tell you is it drivetrain or not. Maybe check the right front inner fender lining.

 

Hmmm...watching!

 

Water pump. Warranty covered, we're good.

 

Wow! Waterpump already huh? I hope it's easy to do cause if mine goes out, I'll have to do my own...