Need Help With Steering Wheel Noise

Ok I further pinpointed my steering wheel noise. it sometimes happens when turning and its a single click or pop right from around the wheel itself. i can duplicate it by pulling up or down on the wheel hard and it makes the same noise.

Heres the new development, it won.t do it when the wheel is locked. Took apart the cover and we can see where its coming from(right behind the steering wheel in the column) but can't see the exact source.

could the lock mechanism be loose and when locked it's tight so it doesn't make the noise? Where and how do you get to that part and replace it?

Thanks a million guys for any help.

I'm pretty much certain it's something right behind the steering wheel because my friend was underneath and was pushing and pulling on the shaft under the dash going into the firewall and there was no noise.

Thanks. Yeah I know, when we take everything apart further we'll disconnect the battery first for a at least a good 20 min. before messing with the wheel itself.