Might have been like this for decades for all I know. What would have caused it? Should I be doing anything about it? Thanks in advance. Phil.
looks like the bushes are wearing or stanchion is bent
It could be something simple like the upper cover is out of alignment with the oil seal housing. If its rubbing when the suspension moves up and down, slacken the pinch bolts, adjust the upper and retighten. You might have to play about with this a couple of times until they run parallel. If the suspension clicks/knocks when it hits the top, the shims have probably been forced above the circlip. You'll need to strip it down and replace the shims. A common problem is that the shims are so thin that they disintegrate over time. Skimming the bush to allow a shim of 15 thou+ will sort out the problem.
Doesn't seem to be rubbing - I put some me chalk on the worn bit and pumped the forks: chalk was still there.
No click when forks return.
How do I know if bushes are worn? Grasping the lower part of the forks and pushing back and forth I feel no play.
Maybe it's damage from a past problem that was fixed?