I noticed that the DS650 I bought has some side to side play between the swingarm and the frame, enough to cause a slight clunk sound when the DS is rocked from side to side. I couldnt find anywheres in the manual where a clearance is suggested or required to be checked. So I am assuming that there should be no real clearance and the bushings should be replaced on my DS?

 

there are bronze bushings in the swingarm that the bearings ride in. there is also an o-ring that rides over the champher on the bushing. i assume this is to keep the dirt & junk out of the bearings. if you replace the bushings & bearings you will need to press the bushings & ream them to accept the bearings or you can crush them. try tightening the bolt to take up the play. mine fits loose until i torque the bolt.

 

I pulled the swingarm pivot shaft and cleaned everything up, All i have to say is that whomever performed the prior work on this quad was a real simpleton who never heard of properly following the service manual. The retaining nuts on the shaft were locked together, but the inner nut was little more than hand tight. I followed the procedure in the service manual when putting it back together and the slop is gone. Why it would surprise me about the lack of maintenance skillz of the prior owner/service performer shouldnt, as everything that has been replaced or worked on was screwed up seriously!