I've been noticing lately that I have quite a bit of steering play in my TD5. I popped the bonnet and twisted the steering column and found that I can turn the column by hand a few degrees either way, but when I let go it bounces back to straight. The drop arm is turning when I do this but not a lot, it's more of a wiggle. Is this to be expected? My steering is somewhat heavy so I'm suspecting the power steering pump may need replace.

I don't know anyone else with a Defender so it makes it hard for me to know what's normal for these things. Can anyone tell me if this is normal, or what I should be suspecting? Thanks.

Start with the cheap basic stuff. Fluid level, play in column UJ's, play in any of the rod ends, play in steering box itself. This can be adjusted but must be done the correct way.