Ford Escape Ignition Key Problem

I have a Ford Escape and occasionall the ignition key won't turn. It
acts like it is the wrong key in the ignition. Takes some work to get
it to tunr sometimes. I thought it was the steering wheel lock being
preloaded but it happens whne the steering wheel is moreor less free
and no tension agaisnt the lock.

Anyopne have any suggestions on how to fix this? I know that replacing
the lockset is going to be expensive.

M