The bushes need to be quite snug in the stand and TIGHTENED to the frame, thus eliminating most movement except rotational. A blob of grease keeps them in shape for longer.
Wear at the pivot results from loose bushes over long periods, everything can slop around at will, especially when heaving the lump onto the stand... Many owners deliberately loosen the bolts and bushes to facilitate easy movement of the stand, a sure sign the stand is already warped, bent or otherwise fucked.
I've reclaimed many stands by reaming the mounting bores and fitting oversize bushes Distortion can usually be rectified with a long crowbar through the stand legs, with the bike on the stand! You do need somebody to hold the bike, otherwise it will topple over. Often the stands are then a bit stiff in their action but this generally disappears by itself after a while of use. You'll be surprised how easy the stand is to use when all is as it should be.
piet
