Anytime you remove and refit the front wheel its important to “centre” the axle in the fork lugs so that the forks dont have any side load on them as they’re compressing.
1. Install the wheel and tighten everything as normal
2. loosen the axle pinch bolts on the RHS fork (RHS when sitting on the bike)
3. hold the front brake and compress/bounce the forks 5-10 times
4. tighten the RHS axle pinch bolts
5. you’re good to go.
The bouncing on the forks with the pinch bolts loose will allow the axle to find its relaxed position in the fork lug so that there is no side load on the fork. Side load on the fork will cause accelerated wear to the guide bushes and give your forks a harsh feeling.
Things to check for installation:
-Make sure the end of the axle isnt damaged from being hit with a hammer or “mushroomed”, if there is damage the axle may not be able to go as far as it needs to in the fork lug.
-If there is damage you can file the raised parts down smoothly. (We machine the high spots and linish the axle on a Lathe, so if you have access to one you can use that)
-Its a good idea to slide the axle through the fork lugs without the wheel to make sure it can go in and out smoothly
-Never hit the end of the axle with a steel hammer, it will only cause damage. If the axle doesnt slide in smoothly there is some sort of restriction that needs to be removed.
Restricitions are usually build up or corrosion on the axle itself (clean off with wire brush or emery cloth)
-Sometimes the axle will need a little extra force to install, in these cases its best to use a block of wood, rubber mallet or plastic hammer to tap the axle gently so you dont damage the axle.
-If the axle wont slide through with gentle taps there is some sort of restriction or something isnt lining up. If this happens, retrace your steps and start again. Never hit the axle hard to try and get it installed, you will always end up damaging something.
In the pics below you can see how the axle is protruding and then the correct location of the axle after the damage has been removed from the end of the axle.
The damage on the end of the axle caused the axle to "mushroom" and flare out not allowing the axle to go as far as it needs to into the lug
