I thought I had 1/4 inch freeplay on my steering wheel. I did not bother with it as specs was 1/4 inch (until this morning, thanks to your post).
I decided to check a bit more this morning after getting to work. One way to test is to open the lower steering column shroud. Then turn the wheel. If the wheel turns and the column doesn't, then it is probably the wheel lock nut. Have to remove the air bag to get to the wheel lock nut.
If the wheel and column turn together, then looking under the dash will confirm if it is the universal or the gearing by the rack.
I guess I know what I will do if I really want to test it.
Once thing though, I thought it was 1/4 inch freeplay (at the steering wheel). I measured it and it turned out to be 1/8 inch. I guess 1/8 inch is a lot when you are used to zero-inch freeplay. Do measure the freeplay at the wheel and see exactly what it is.
