so last couple weeks a couple friends complained how hard my steering weel was to unlock and to turn the key I thought nothing of it until today. I went to start the car key wouldn't turn. jiggled the wheel still wouldn't give so after 5 mins of head scratching I got frustrated and became more forceful and then it got unlocked and worked fine. until I shut it off same crap a little force worked off I went. I sprayed wd40 in the lock cylinder for good measure. so would that be the lock cylinder or the lock in the steering collumn ? which I assume there is some sort of locking mechanism in there. thanks for the help guys

it's most likely the lock cylinder, and you need to use a graphite lubricant, get it at the hardware store. mines came in a blue can, its made just for key locks.

if its doing that id go ahead and replace it while u can turn it, iv had 2 go bad on me..first one i chipped out..the 2nd i just replaced the whole column

Sounds like a bad key to me.
Do you have other copies of the key that work better? See if you can get a locksmith (NOT walmart or another department store) to cut you a new one).

You will need the long version of the key if you're getting one with a black top. Make sure to make that VERY clear to the person cutting the key, because I went through about 4 short ones because the cutters at walmart etc assured me it would work.

If you don't have a good copy of the key you can get it cut by VIN number. Usually at the dealership.

I am going to get another key made probably tomorrow. and get some graphite stuff I was told to try it and see if it helps