A while back I had the front left strut off to install new seals. After getting everything back together, I took it for a ride and then jacked it up to see if the bearing adjustment was still good. As in all the wheels I've done over the years, I grab the bottom and top of the tire and move back and forth to see what kinda wiggle I get. It, along with the side I haven't fooled with have the same motion. It seems like it's loose, but it's not the hub loose on the axle, but appears that the whole axle is wiggling in the strut. These critters are new to me and was curious if this is characteristic of these things or do I have a problem?

Doesn't seem good to me
This is on a 2000 Sportsman 500

PS. The bearings and races looked very good on the side I worked on. No discoloration, pitting or signs of wear. Looked new.

 

Slack from the drive shaft end as it's in the races and bearings,if you have the hub nut torqued properly at 12 foot pounds.Play is especially noticeable with weight off the front end. In most cases it's normal. Even a new one out of the crate has a little play.If play is excessive then the races and bearings may not be as good as they look and may need replacing.Have to figure you're dealing with 4 Timken style bearings. 2 in the strut and 2 in the hub.