I just had the heater core replaced in my '97 F150 4.6 auto 107,000 mi. ( looks like the kids will go another winter without shoes Anyway after driving a few times I have noticed about half an inch of play in the steering wheel. Just enough to annoy you with a constant reminder of the $700 heater repair.
I guess they take out most of the dash to replace this $32 part.

Any thoughts as to the cause and solution would be greatly appreciated!!

Squid

 

Is the play in the suspension components? or do you think they might of messed something up in your dash when they put in the heater core?

 

I suspect that they had to remove and replace the steering wheel and somethinng didn't get put back properly. To answer your question the steering wheel moves about an inch before the wheels start turning.

 

I would take it back to the person who replaced the heater core and tell them that they messed something up in the steering wheel and have them fix it. But, what i was asking though, does the steering components in your front end move with your steering wheel or not. I know you said your wheels don't. But, if it just started happening after they replaced the heater core then it probably isnt anything to do with the steering components. Make sure everything is fine with your power steering box, something could be loose there.