[kenparker]

Look at the bottom end of the steering shaft - the long rod the steering wheel is attached to. The bottom end of the shaft is what rides in/on the lower bushing. If the shaft is worn then the bushing cannot keep the shaft - and its worm gear centered with the sector. The shaft will ride up and down and left and right which translates to free play as it moves to contact the sector. A few thousands here makes a BIG difference. I will measure an original unworn shaft later and repost the diameter the lowere end of the shaft should be. That is unless someone else posts it first. kenp