Lower bearing steering column question

[Heavy12]

I just replaced my lower bearing with one from Crown. My old one seemed to have lots of play in it. The new bearing has no play but fits a little loose in the new plastic housing. Feels much like my old one when I wiggle the end of the steering shaft.
I cleaned up my old one to see. The bearing was dry and dirty. Cleaned up nicely but the difference is the bearing fits tight into the plastic housing and the bearing itself has a little play. I could use the new bearing in the old housing and have a zero play lower bearing.
My question is should there be some play in the bottom bearing/housing by design.
Thanks for any responses. I don't want to reassemble the rest of the steering until I figure this out. Been searching to no avail.