Have this issue where I'm hearing groaning/creaking coming from somewhere at low speeds after around 20-30min of driving. Happens mostly when starting into gear (manual), braking or going over bumps.

Not sure if it's related but around the same time I started noticing a spot in the steering wheel that will groan and generally feels weird about an eighth of a turn or less to the left. Barely noticeable if I turn through it or if I jostle it in the area can feel it a bit through the steering, car and hear a bit of something ... wife can't hear anything though so very slight and not very noticeable.