wheel that has play?

Excessive play in steering wheel. When the steering wheel is loose, "has play in it", it is difficult for drivers to correctly know the position of the front wheels. Steering systems generally give ample warning of problems and excessive play is generally caused by worn steering racks and tie rod ends.

Typically, you should not be able to turn the steering wheel more than 1 1/ 2" without causing the front wheels to move. If the steering wheel rotates excessively.

Typically, you should not be able to turn the steering wheel more than 1 1/ 2" without causing the front wheels to move. If the steering wheel rotates excessively, a serious steering problem exists

You step out for a drive with your friends, and the goal is to have a good time. What happens when you have not got 100% control over your steering wheel? It gets risky, and you might run into another car. Imagine driving on a highway and having a non-response steering wheel. Some car owners can have problems with the steering wheel when it gets too loose.

When a steering wheel has too much or excessive play, it means it is loose. Drivers get confused about the actual position of the car’s front wheels. 

The trouble is that if the steering wheel moves one and a half-inch more, then the front wheels may refuse to move to the direction you want.