Odd steering play

[10 FOOT INVADER]

Have a 20 foot monterey 206 br, 305 alpha1 gen 2 with later style steering valve. When turning the wheel left or right have about 2" of play. Traced this to the steering cable where it plugs into the steering unit. Inside at the end of the steering cable is a rounded plastic tube that has the play. When it stops moving the steering arm ram will move. No play any other place just at this plastic piece. Let a friend borrow my merc manual. It shows the steering set up but does not list this part. Will try to post a picture later when i get my book back.