1997 Sportage 4x4 Automatic trans. I had too much play in the steering. As the steering wheel was rocked back and forth through a couple of inches of play, I could see the input shaft of the steering gear box turning back and forth with no engagement of the pitman gear. I bought a used gear box and there was no slack or play of the input shaft by hand testing. I did not try to turn it with pliers or a wrench or any kind of leverage. I concluded it was tight. That may have been a mistake. Other than the play in the steering wheel, the steering was normal. No noise present and even resistance throughout its turning radius. I had the new box installed and now do not have even resistance throughout its range of motion. It acts like the pump is weak, but there was no indication of this before. Mechanic told me there was a kink in the high pressure hose. If that was there before it wasn't causing any problems. Nonetheless, I would think that a kink or any fluid flow restriction in that hose or system would produce the same symptoms as a weak pump. Could there be some internal problem with the different gear box? And, to top it off, I still have too much play in the steering wheel. Your thoughts are always appreciated.