1997 R POLO 1.4CL Play in steering wheel

[nrclarke99]

I have recently bought a VW Polo and on driving it home i have noticed that there is some play in the steering wheel, I have replaced the wishbones and subsequently got the tracking done but it has not taken up this slack in the steering wheel (its about 1/2 inch either way way before you feel any resistance ).
I have removed the steering wheel and when i grip the splinned end of the the steering coloumn there is a few mm movement either way, once the steering wheel is on this is ovbiously translated to a greater degree.
I am asking for anyones help as to what i can do to rectify / fix the problem or has anyone had/seen such a fault and what did they do

[mgg]

I am searching this forum to investigate another problem with steering, which appears unrelated.

Your problem unfortunately indicates a worn steering rack. There are universal joints in most steering systems, but they tend to not wear in a vehicle lifetime. Track rod ends can also wear, but rack sounds most likely. The problem is that the grease either dries up or leaks out. Once that has happened the gear and the rack begin to erode the involute teeth. I'm not sure whether the rack on these is lubricated by the hydraulic oil, but eventually same difference.