Front fork stanchion question

[Luma46]

I am just wondering if it is possible to turn the stanchion/outer fork tube in its cross braces, say 90 degrees, or if it has to be in a fixed preset position. The reason I am asking is that I have a bit of a forward/backward free play in right fork, most probably a wear in bushings (plain bearings) inside. My reasoning is that if I turned the stanchion 90 degrees, I might eliminate or at least reduce this free play.