Sticky fork leg

[chrisx1]

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?

[misterbit]

Have you put oil in yet? there may be a sharp intake of air when you take off the top nut

[chrisx1]

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.

[rhyatt]

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

[V500]

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.

[chrisx1]

What is the reason for having the front brake hard on when reassembling?

[V500]

It (hopefully) centralises the brake plate so giving maximum contact between brake shoes and drum.

[chrisx1]

Ok. Thanks for that advice. Something else I hadn't heard of before. Always good to get these tips.