When I was trying to find out what this crazy sound was I even sent a letter to Matthew Mackay-Smith in 1991. His reply stated:
1. The snapping noises ae caused by the collateral ligaments rolling with extensin/flexion. It is not degenerative nor will your conditioning aggravate it.
2. It is not symptomatic of any condition. There is nothing specific to do to alleviate it, sometimes it disappears with mileage.