2002 Mondeo Steering Problem (Possibly Spacer)

[Wattsie]

Right, I'd like to know if this problem of steering looseness is common on Mondeos as well as a few other things...



The steeringwheel is loose at the linking bit between the thin bar and the thick (I'm clearly no mechanic).

I think this is a broken? spacer and its causing about 1 inch of left/right play in the steering.

• What is it, for confirmation sake?
• Is it dangerous?
• How much would it cost to just repair?
• To replace?

Thanks