I bought a CEN Matrix six months ago and now there is tons of slop in my steering. When I raced motocross, everything had to be tight or I would notice it and it would bother me. In principle, slop degrades control.

Someone told me some slop in a buggy is not a big deal. The why do all the factory pro driver interviews say they "tightening" their new buggy offerings (Extreme RC magazine)?

How much slop is too much?

Really, too much is a personal thing. If you want to compare it to your motocross days, then start replacing front end parts. But slop can also mean that its just good and broke in, IMO.

I say if your Matrix still handles good and steers where you want it to then leave it for the time being. If the cars doesn't handle or steer like you feel it used to then start replacing front end parts.