There are one or two issues that have not been covered yet. Firstly, the play in the box as it moves away from center is perfectly normal in any worm&peg or recirculating ball steering box and does not constitute a defect. The box should be adjusted so that a slight drag is felt passing through center. Free play will increase as it approaches either lock. This means that the car must be aligned so that when moving straight down the road the steering box is perfectly centered. If it is not, play will be felt and it will be difficult to hold a line. When cornering, the side force generated (which you feel in the steering wheel) keep the box firmly against one side of the play zone so there is no loss of precision. All of this used to be common knowledge and standard practice before the advent of rack&pinion steering, which is a whole 'nuther ballgame.
Hope this helps,
Phil
