I seem to have some play in the front tires of my zforce500 trail (2021, 1200 miles).  When lifted off the ground, I can feel the play left to right in the wheel but not up and down.  I have checked my axle nuts and they are tight.  Almost looks like the movement is in the cv boot area.  Any help would be appreciated!!  Trying to get it going for a ride on Tuesday.  Thank you!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CUTriWmId-1x5OcLFHe_9SuFVmQe-Jff/view?usp=sharing

Look at the control arms and knuckle when moving the wheel back and forth. If the arms or knuckle are moving, the bushings need replacing.

If the bushing and knuckle do not move, but the wheel does, then the wheel bearing is likely shot, and you should not ride it until it is replaced, at the risk of loosing the wheel while riding.

The axle shaft with CV boots are not involved. They are supposed to move with the wheel.

My guess would be bushings because if it was the bearing, you would have play in all directions.

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Movement that moves the entire knuckle as this is doing, is going to be either ball joints, tie rod ends or steering rack. And movement in the wheel that doesn't move the knuckle would be bearing.

Thanks guys.  I'm wondering if it isn't something in the steering as the other side moves some too. 

I would think if bearings it would have play up and down also, but I'm no expert.

What is the easiest way to get to the steering column to tighten things up?

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Thanks guys.  I'm wondering if it isn't something in the steering as the other side moves some too. 

I would think if bearings it would have play up and down also, but I'm no expert.

What is the easiest way to get to the steering column to tighten things up?

If you have play in the steering wheel and you have checked all the steering shaft's splined connections for movement.. and the tie rod ends have no play, then its likely the rack and pinion  is failing. It won't be the first...many have.

Thanks guys.  I'm wondering if it isn't something in the steering as the other side moves some too. 

I would think if bearings it would have play up and down also, but I'm no expert.

What is the easiest way to get to the steering column to tighten things up?

If you have play in the steering wheel and you have checked all the steering shaft's splined connections for movement.. and the tie rod ends have no play, then its likely the rack and pinion  is failing. It won't be the first...many have.

Tie rod ends have no play, no delay when moving the steering wheel.  How do I get to the splines at the bottom of the steering column through the access panel in the hood or ??

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Newer ones have a panel that has to come off.

Something else to consider is if the rack itself is moving (loose mounting bolts).