I drive a 2011 Chevy Silverado LT 5.3 liter Z71 4 wheel drive.
I have the exact same issue. I pulled off the airbag,steering wheel,clock spring. Once I had the clock spring removed I noticed a small washer(ring) about the same size as the snap ring holding the clock spring. The washer (ring) was around the wheel shaft just behind the clock spring. It was all bent to hell. I had hoped maybe that was the issue. Truthfully I used a hammer to flatten out the washer(ring) reinstalled everything. Installed a new snap ring. It helped, but not much at all. I still have quit the amount of play side to side and up and down. Like the shaft is loose. I punched my steering wheel and that’s how I got myself into this situation.
