Steering Column Refurb - Upper Bearing/Support Ring

My steering column has a lot of play at the top, there is a gap between the housing bearing and the column. Is there supposed to be a spacer between the bearing and the column to take up the play. I have a part 171419341 and this looks like it should press down between the bearing and column, however when i tried it wouldnt go all the way down and sat proud so that the plastic spacer sleeve wouldnt clear the spline for the steering wheel.
Any advice would be appreciated, Thanks.

It usually isn't the upper bearing assembly that is causing the issue with Gapage.

The lower bearing on the outer shaft to inner wears out and falls out of place screwing the alignment of the shaft and allows play in the shaft.

Also the inner shaft is collapsable and it is possible that it is compressed, I have had to pull it out on occasion when servicing different things on the shaft as in ignition switches and the like.

If you look at the lower part of the shafts outer casing, and see a White or Yellowed plastic bit, then your lower bearing has slipped…
You can take the time to source and replace it, but actually if yours isn't broken you can effectively shove it back in place, then use a heavy wire tie or screwy hose clamp and keep it back in place.

In your case I would suggest that you look to see if the lower bearing slipped out.  if it hasn't I would put a wire tie on it to keep it there, then using a pair of vice grips pull out on the shaft from the top to re-lengthen it…

Then re-assemble and you should be ok.

Thanks for your advice Briano, I have replaced the bottom bearing and fitted the support ring and pressure spring the holds the bearing in place from the UJ.
I did as you suggested and pulled the Column up a bit but it still has play from side to side.
Where does the column support ring  171419341fit ?
I still cant figure out why Ive got play at the top of the column !! ??