Hi Partridge,
That annoying sound is normal when you are adjusting you build-plate, It wont happen while printing because that motor is not going to turn that fast in any time while printing.
To be able to adjust buildplate easily use a credit card( or similar ) they are generally 1mm and its good for first adjustment , then in the second turn you need to adjust them from screws.
I don't know if you have any other problem directly related to building plate it self bu these are the problems happen to me when i first print,
I hope it helps ,
good luck