Chrysler Repair: Sebring Grinding Noise..., cv joint, radiator cap

Question
I have a 2000 Sebring Convertible.  I had an overheating problem that turned out to be a faulty radiator cap.  Just before I replaced the cap the engine started to make a "grinding" sound.  It wasn't that noticeable at first but has gotten louder.  I usually happens after I come to a stop and take off again or if I accelerate.  It fairly quiet when I am at fairly constant speed.  I also have an oil light that flickers on and off when I am at a stop.  Could it be the water pump or the oil pump making this noise and if so, why wouldn't it be a constant noise?  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Ed,
Are you sure that it is a sound from the engine and not from the drives axles (such as a cv-joint)? Do you hear it at idle or just when moving? Grinding from the front end is usually associated with a CV joint whose boot has torn and allowed the grease to leak out. It usually makes a louder noise then you are turning rather than going straight ahead. Let me know the answers and we can go from there.
On the oil pressure light, that is fairly normal so long as you don't have the light on continuously when you have the rpm above idle I wouldn't be concerned. You can try increasing the "weight" of the oil at the next change which will raise the pressure and prevent the flickering at idle.
Roland
PS Use the 'thank/rate' tab below to get back to me without having to wait for me to be available. There is a space for comments. Also mention which engine is in the car.\

Thanks Roland. I don't really hear the noise when I turn unless I'm accelerating during the turn. Usually it's straight ahead and after I start from a stop position. I think there have been two occassions when I have pulled up into my driveway and stopped and the noise continued until I turned off my engine. Upon restarting my engine the noise was gone. It's not a coninuous grinding which is what has me puzzled.

Hi Ed,
Noise level will vary coming from a dry cv-joint depending upon the torque (acceleration) it is being subjected to and how much it is flexed. I think you may have to stop when you hear it and look under the hood to localize the source of the noise.
Roland