Oh - this is an '06 RRS HSE.
Yep, I figure if I can feel it in the wheel, then it's excessive. Does seem in line with the TSB. I played with my shaft again and the grommet/bushings at the firewall and plastic "box" are fine. Why would there be any play in the joint at part #1 in the diagram - the one shown in the inset?? Why would a sliding shaft, #5, be needed except in a front collision?? To take up slack from the body mounts?? Or is the steering rack bolted to a subframe that can move?? I typically feel the clunk going over bumps, so something must be moving.Would you say there is excessive play in the upper steering shaft?