I own a 1952 WD45 parts tractor; at least it should have remained a parts tractor. Consumed by stubborn determination to make it run again, the recently very expensive rebuilt, by me, motor is about to go back in. Before said event, I thought it wise to check the steering. Having read the manual, repacked the wheel bearings, and checked the lock bolts at the top and bottom of the steering shaft, I am left with play caused by the backlash between the steering shaft worm gear and the pedestal gear. I know there are sim/s between the steering shaft gland and the steering box. Removing the sim simply tightens the shaft bearings and does not remove the backlash. There is no play in the pedestal. The worm gear has a shiny patch but no wear step. So should there be backlash, and if so, how much?

Thank you in advance for your time.

If I posted in the wrong section, sorry.