I revisited this mechanical tuning noise today
and made an audio recording. Please take a listen.
https://soundcloud.com/user-725037060/tunernoise
In the recording you will hear me turn the tuning knob one way then the other.
Is this noise a known issue with a known fix? Sounds like the creaking emanates from the area with the white pulleys (see photos above), but it's difficult to pinpoint the source of the noise with 100% certainty.