250-500cc Forks.

I have a 2009 WR 300. I replaced the springs and found out the 50mm forks were replaced with 45mm. Would the axle and spacers be the same or different? I have some slight play and not sure how to correct this.

You sure the forks have been swapped? That would have been a lot of work for somebody (new triples, etc). You state that you have "slight play," but don't give any hints as to where the play is or how much you have, so it's going to be really hard for people to help.

When I replaced the springs in the forks I ordered the stock ones, 50MM. When I took them to have them installed at Beaver Creek Cycle it was at that point it was determined they weren't 50MM. I believe they were 45MM. Had to order the correct springs. The play is between the spacer anf the fork. You can tigthen down the nut on the end of the axel and it doesn't pull the fork up tight. It is hard fo rme to describe.

If it's hard for you to describe, it will be hard for us to help you fix it.

Take a picture of the forks, in the problem area, for starters. If the bearings don't tighten against the spacer, the spacer, axle, or bearing spacing in the hub is wrong. Could be an installation problem though, I'd be careful about jumping to conclusions.

Also, with regard to the mystery of the mismatched forks, a picture might help us figure that out. Also, it wouldn't hurt to measure...

I ordered a new spacer to start with.

weren't the ealier bikes 45mm shivers ?

If you want us to help you, you've got to help us. It's probably not the spacer, those hardly ever wear out. Do the tests that Bob suggested, and take a few pictures.

Also, if you want to know what forks are on the bike, you could measure them? Really easy...

Not sure why the last picture is upside down

The axle spacer is shorter for the 45mm forks. The axle might also be shorter.

Could be the spacer, the axle, or the inner race spacer in the hub.

If you don't know what forks are on the bike, how'd you order a new spacer?

Good point Kyle. What I have found so far. I am replacing the steering stem bearings at the same time. Guess what the bearings for the 09 wr 300 are to big where the stem goes through the bearing. The race fit into the frame fine. Not sure why anyone would change all the steering like they did? I just called the shop and said put everything on hold till I get figured out what I have. By the way the vin number on the frame is for a 09.

IF the forks have been swapped at all, by far the most sensible way to do it would be to swap the entire front end; forks, triples, stem, axle, etc. So, IF it has been swapped, that is probably what happened.

Who knows the fork vs. year relationship with WRs? What year had what forks?

The guy at the shop seemed to think 06' 07 wr 250 would work?

08 model WRs are 45mm ... mine work AOK on tracks and trails ...

You are aware the forks can spread at the bottom and cause the axle length to appear to be too short ....

In the pic below, there is probably enough space here to get the axle nut started AND IF the fork tubes are spread at the bottom, the nut can pull them into place ... Not the best idea but this thread is confusing ... OR tapping lightly my the H symbol might drive the forks back together if they are spread ...

Also, DO NOT get heavy handed here ...That nut is ALUM(?) and will strip out ...