126 steering squeak ?

[gidpor]

This is a recent steering (?) grinding or squeaking noise. It has progressed quickly from intermittent to almost constant. It is noticed when slowly turning the wheel ( both sides) at very low speed, as well as when bringing the car to a stop from a crawl - when the breaking momentum pulls the weight of the car forward.
First I thought a track rod, But they are new. Could breaking effect a faulty tie rod and make that sound ?
Weird thing is it almost sounds from inside the dash.- Anything possible in the steering column ?
Weirder yet is that within this last year , I rebuilt the entire front end of the car. including -

sway bar bushings
sub frame mounts (bearing brackets)
control arm bushings - Upper and Lower
track rods
Idler arm bushing (2 years)
ball joints ( 2 years)
tie rods - with the exception of the drag link
steering damper ( 2 years)

Any thoughts would be appreciated !
1987 300SE