Hi everyone

Ive gained a wealth of knowledge reading this forum and have just signed up to ask for some help.

I was in the process of installing a rigid fork on my bike in lieu of the suspension fork, although before I can do that, I need to cut the steerer down or add some spacers.
So I went to reinstall the original suspension fork on the bike, although have come up with this issue.

The centering sleeve does not seem to pull down flush with the top adjusting race. Im nearly certain that originally it was flush.

I have not changed any parts on it at all, what could be the cause of this?

(pic attached)

Thanks