Originally Posted by
John Hood
If you've got a spare wheel with a solid axle lying around I'd swap it out for that and see if that solves your problem. With the solid axle you should be able to tighten things up enough to eliminate any potential play. It's probably not what you want in a long term fix, but it should at least help identify the problem.
One other thing to consider, it doesn't ride right now and you're thinking of swapping out the fork anyway, so if you are certain it's the fork what do you have to lose by filing on it?
I did read this entire thread, but I don't completely remember it at this point. Have you actually checked frame alignment? You can do a crude job of it with a string and a tape measure and a level.
i did try it with another front wheel, that was one of the few things i tried first. i didn't notice a change, but i will give it a shot with a solid axle, ive checked the frame, everything else looks ok, even the forks look good, just the drop outs, your right about filing, maybe ill give it a shot if all else fails