Solutions
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bass raider's post in Brand new shimano (help required) was marked as the answerI’m not for sure on the Sahara but on the Vanford, there is a bearing and a bearing retainer plate on the left side. The right side also has a bearing but no retainer plate. That minuscule amount of play could possibly be what you’re feeling or it could be the simple fact that the handle is closer to being directly in line with the drive gear on the left side, and further away from the gear on the right.