I just picked up a used Craftsman riding mower. The steering is very loose. It appears to be between the Sector Gear and the Steering wheel. Any suggestions? Is this common?

From a lot of use, dirt/grass getting on it and helping the grinding process, not too common but many other brands will get loose steering after a while... If its bearable, its not much of a problem... But they are replaceable.

Thanks. I hope it's just the shaft assembly between the sector gear and the steering wheel. I ordered those parts and will install them tomorrow.