I too have experienced a noise problem with my Abu's, but only while casting. It can be pretty loud and unpleasant, yet the reel still functions really well (and this particular noise will abate after the fishing line wets the reel thoroughly). I've never had a noise problem while retrieving though. You've probably made a good choice by purchasing an Abu because they're pretty good about servicing and returning your reel in a timely manner. You might try returning the reel this time and paying the fee (there maybe no fee if your reel is less than a year old, or sometimes even if it is older than a year) and then noting on the receipt which parts they replaced to fix the problem. You could then buy your own parts from Abu should the problem happen again, or even buy the parts ahead of time. I keep a few parts in stock for future repairs to my Abu's, and I've heard of guys who keep the parts in their boats for some on-the-water repairs. If you open up your Abu reel(s) a few times you can become fairly quick about repairs to them. The diagram they include in the purchase box can be all you need with a small amount of practice.

John Castle