I have a set of Tange TX 1200 forks. There is play between the washers that came with the fork. Is there a fix for this? Do I use the washers and not worry about the play? If I file the washer down so the hub can make contact with the inside of the dropout, will the play stop? What damage will I do if I install the wheel without using the special washers?

Washers came with those forks? Mine didn't...

I think you are talking about the special washers that help to retain the wheel in the event the axle nuts come loose. Is the shoulder of the washer "bottoming" out against the locknuts of the adjusting cones? (does that make any sense???)

If it's for a show bike, I wouldn't worry and just use flat washers. Then again, I'd just use flat washers even if it was a rider!

I have a good trick. I use two stainless steel flat washers of the proper size to sandwich the fork prong or drop out. you'll need four (4) total per axle. I have found that the stainless keeps the marring of the finish to a minimum with paint and practically non existent with chrome or nickle. and the stainless looks spiffy too! give it a try.

[ November 25, 2006, 12:25 PM: Message edited by: sodbuster ]

The fork came with two washers, like the ones that come with landing gear forks. I guess I assumed I was supposed to use them. Thanks for responding. I'll just install the wheel like I normally would without the washers.

Gnuchoice the TANGE TX-1200 fork with the pressed together dropouts all should have come with those washers.You could just go and find a washer at your local hardware store that has an inner diameter large enough for the part that is sticking through the fork to fit into and then mount them (the ones from the hw store) on the inside of the fork dropouts to take up the slack.Or you could judt grind them down a bit if you prefer.

Perfect. I'll get the washers like you said, to take up the slack.