Steering head play
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@declan Forks removed from the bike. And the triple clamps removed. From the photo it looks like they're all still in place.
Normally no, you wouldn't really need to drop the forks, but in this case I'd recommend changing both the top and bottom taper bearings, since if the top one is worn, it'll wear the bottom one. So it's best to replace them at the same time for the pennies it'll cost you.
Once the triple clamps are removed you will have greater access at removing the bearing.
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@declan Hard to explain the words.
No not really, but if the weight of the forks is not in the same direction as the forks, it'll cause resistance.
Drop the forks mate and go from there. You'll just risk damaging more components otherwise.
Also, put the nut on the triple clamps and protect the threads from the hammer blow.
Better off using a copper mallet to remove that if there is some resistance. Rubber mallet is just absorbing the impact too much. Use penetrating fluids to help remove the item.