i have an 2002 lakota and lower ball-joints are shot and i have some play in my steering stem i think it may be the bushing. the bike is only a year old. can anyone tell me do these parts wear out all the time or is this some kind of other issue?

 

Every Mo and Lakota I've seen have some up and down play in the stem. Even new ones on the floor.

As for the lower ball joint. Is the play actully in the joint it's self or does the pinch bolt need to be tightened?

 

i thougt cuz there is cotter pins in the pinch bolts they were tight do you think i should take the pins out and try to tighten them?

 

Yup. You should be able to see the ball joint move in the controll arm if it's lose.

Usually the left side loosens or was not tight enuf to begin with.

 

ya there is some play cause when i did my alignment i noticed it so i took that cotter pin out and tried to tighten the bolt and it would not close the gap in play. that was a real b!tch to do to i cant remember why but there was so much stuff in the way.