Thank baby jesus it wasn't the water pump! I've been hearing a slight grinding for a few days now and had my money bet on another alt, but using a piece of 3/8 brake line as a stethoscope I listened to all bolts and brackets and the noise was definitely coming from the metal center timing belt cover "fan bracket" as he hanes manual calls it. I was scared it was the water pump behind it so proceeded to remove accessory belts and started it back up and to my surprise it was gone! Yay not he water pump but the bearing in the fan bracket is shot.

Easiest way to remove? Will the entire bracket need to be replaced or can a new bearing be pressed in? I'd love to have it done by the weekend so I can go wheeling. Not gonna drive with the bearing as bad as it is and risk throwing the fanthrough the rad.