Nose gear flex and wheel bearing movement

[1AviationNut]

I am putting a tri gear back in the air after the owner passed away in a tragic construction accident. I have noticed a lot of movement and flex in the nose gear and nose wheel. Is there an upgrade to the fork? Are the bearings known for slop? 57 hrs on it at this point but was told that the owner would “drive it around the field” last year. Any ideas? The mount and gear leg look good with no flex. The most flex is from the fork down. The tire will actually rub the fork if pushed enough. Any ideas?

[Jerry09w]

There should be no play in the bearings, the axle through bolt should be tight enough to take up all play. If the spacers are too short, a 5/8 id washer may help. I have also found th fork weak, I have had mine bend in a crosswind landing. Being on a rough runway, I have changed my fork to a heavier aluminum one large enough to use a 500x5 tire which does a better job of dealing with with cracks in the pavement.