The original classic Triumph front fork turns on 40 steel balls held in place by cones and cups: one pair on top and another at the bottom of the steering stem. Over time both the steering head races can become grooved and the ball bearings become worn and subject to fracture. Replacing them is not very difficult as long as a suitable drift is available.
Above: once lower cone has been started, use a pair of chisels to wedge it the rest of the way off.
Installing a new lower cone is greatly facilitated by using a 1-1/16" diameter hollow drift to drive it into place. If you have an old stanchion tube lying around you're in luck as it will be exactly the right size.
Using a stanchion tube (1-1/16"ID) as a drift to install the lower cone.
Stanchion tube is a perfect fit on both the steering stem and the lower cone.
