I had the EXACT same problem and was equally convinced the sound was coming from the steering column. I checked everything, oiled/lubed everything and still it persisted... so annoying.

I eventually sourced the noise to a dry bushing at the bottom of the first steering arm - these look almost exactly like tie rod ends, usually with a rubber seal over the joint. I peeled back the rubber boot, hit it with wd40, packed the joint with grease and voila - after months of putting up with that creeeeaaakkkking - it was gone.

Makes the old girl a pleasure to drive again... although now I can hear a few other new sounds... Ah, Land Rover livin'


I'll be dollars to doughnuts thats what's up with yours... get a friend to turn the wheel while you place your hands on the joint and you will feel it vibrating. Good luck.