Excessive play in steering

Hi this is Dusty, I'm one of the auto experts on RepairPal's Car Genius team. The excessive play and harsh ride could be due to separate issues and it's best to sort it out quickly to keep your ride safe. Tires that are worn or not inflated properly can mess with how your steering feels and how your vehicle handles, so be sure your tires are in good shape and inflated to the manufacturer's specifications. Steering parts like tie rod ends, the rack and pinon (or the bushings), or the universal joint in the steering column can wear out over time. This can lead to more play in the steering wheel. If the shocks and struts in your Chevy have worn out, your ride might feel harsher over bumps and uneven roads. Given what you've described, it's a good idea to have your Silverado checked out by a pro. They can take a good look at the steering and suspension, and let you know what repairs are necessary to get this sorted and help get your ride back to being safe and smooth. Hope this helps! If you have any questions or would like our help locating a qualified shop in your area, give us a call at (877) 913-1554