I have just over 3600KMS on my sportsman now and noticed some play in the tie rod ends to the point I can feel it in the handle bars on rough trail. Anyone else have play in theirs and how about after market replacements with grease fittings????

 

I just got done with this project on my 97 Sport. I would imagine it's the same concept. I had a bunch of free play in the handlebars. I replaced all the tie rod ends, inners and outers. They were worn pretty bad. I also had a lot of play in the steering bushings. The lower one especially, but I replaced the upper as well, considering it was only 12 bucks for both pieces. Replacing all tie rods and steering bushings tightened it right back up like it was when new. I have not found any replacements with grease fittings though. Originally my Sport had grease fittings on the outers. But, the replacements do not have grease fittings.