opinions before I remove steering box

[Tranham]

Took my m4a1 to a parade today.  For the first time track ran perfect. Everything I've been doing for 7 months has come together. But of course as I got in to head home I noticed this.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/a5po6fadbmcsie2/2014-07-26%2015.51.29.jpg

There is now a gap in the steering column right below the steering wheel. I thought the nut might have loosened that holds the wheel.  It's fine. I never messed with steering box. Honestly it appeared to be the best part of the track. Just a tiny amount of play. The other item I noticed today was that the whole box flexes left snd right as you turn the wheel. Like the housing might be cracked or ?  Tightened the 2 bolts to the frame and large nut to pitman arm. So far it still drives straight and still has very little play. Of course it being steering I need to figure this out asap. Scares me the wheel is going to come off.

Robert

[scotty71]

Is there play in the steering column if you try to pull and push the steering wheel in and out?

Check the steering tube clamps, both top and bottom, may have just slipped down.

If you are turning the steering wheel when the vehicle is stopped you will get some movement in the steering box due to the amount of resistance being placed on the unit, less resistance when vehicle is moving.

[Tranham]

Got into it some.  It appears the tube just slipped down. The clamps were a bit loose. Going to assume it's ok. No up and down play push/pulling steering wheel.  Thanks for the info

Robert