I noticed the play in mine as well, the first step was to try and tighten the axle nut, but it would'nt go any further with and 18" cresent. Putting the quad on the stand there was a lot of play in the axle. It took 2 days to BEAT the seized axle out. The splines on the sprocket hub and rotor hub were destroyed . The bearings were badly scored and were definately shot.