I could have sworn I posted this already, but I can't find it.

So, my steering column (freshly rebuilt) now makes a creeky noise as I turn. It's freaking weird. It seems to be some kind of bearing, or something. It's in the upper steering column though, and only happens when it's cold.

Also, the steering will occasionally bind up while turning when it's making the noise. The steering box makes no noise, the steering fluid is full, the pump makes no noise, and none of the components seem bent.

Three things that could have recently contributed:
I took off my A/C, which removed a v-belt from the pump, BUT the belt on there has a good firm hold.

I curbed my front right wheel coming into a parking lot, but it didn't feel hard enough to damage anything.

And there's the whole rebuilt steering column thing, it's supposed to have all-new bearings and the like, but I dunno now.

Any advice?