Ok so I've just had my 1963 A65 forks rebuilt with new oil seals etc. when I replace them into the stanchions one of them compresses to the poin where it's 1 1/4" shorter than the other and has no up and down movement. It can be turned easy enough but the spring seems to be solid.
Anyone had a similar problem?
Have you put oil in yet? there may be a sharp intake of air when you take off the top nut
Yes oil already in there. I took the leg back out and it is quite stiff but does move up and down. So I decided to put it back together by fitting the wheel to both fork legs then pulling the problematic one through the top yoke. I didn't have time to get it off the bench yet but will get it on the ground tomorrow,(weather permitting) and see how the forks behave.
Don't forget to align everything once on the ground.
Leave yokes loose and spindle loose and push bike up against a wall and pump forks to align themselves.
Slowly tighten up all spindle nuts and yoke clamps.
They're about aligned as best then
Remember to keep the front brake hard on when tightening al those nuts too. If you haven't got three hands then tie-wraps work well.
What is the reason for having the front brake hard on when reassembling?
It (hopefully) centralises the brake plate so giving maximum contact between brake shoes and drum.
Ok. Thanks for that advice. Something else I hadn't heard of before. Always good to get these tips.