That adjustment is for FRICTION only. It will not fix steering play but adjusting it slightly could temporarily mask such play caused by worn steering and suspension components. It is best left alone until you are sure all of your front end is in good shape.

BTW, are you aware that the recirculating ball steering in our cars has a factory slop specification of one inch measured at the steering wheel rim? Is your much greater than that?

Where are you located? You may be getting some bad advice locally.