If my power steering pump is going out with it cause play in my steering wheel?

There is about an inch-inch and a half of play

 

Yes, I'm pretty sure it can.

 

A failing power steering pump usually doesn't cause play in the steering wheel. The pump helps with steering effort, but play in the wheel is more often caused by worn steering components like the tie rods, steering box, or ball joints. You might want to check those parts to see if they’re causing the issue. If the steering feels hard or you hear noises when turning, that could be related to the pump.