Just measure from the inside of the fork leg to the rim on each side, +-2mm should be ok I think. If you release the nuts on the axle clamp on the right side (if I remember correctly) and pump the front suspension up and down, and then re-tighten, it should not bind. If the seals wear out too quickly, I would check the surface of the fork tubes, so they are not damaged (pitted from rust, flaking chrome etc.)