diff --git a/yt/fields/particle_fields.py b/yt/fields/particle_fields.py
index d22a78b348c..c52bd2a0b43 100644
--- a/yt/fields/particle_fields.py
+++ b/yt/fields/particle_fields.py
@@ -302,12 +302,7 @@ def particle_vectors(field, data):
 
 
 def get_angular_momentum_components(ptype, data, spos, svel):
-    if data.has_field_parameter("normal"):
-        normal = data.get_field_parameter("normal")
-    else:
-        normal = data.ds.arr(
-            [0.0, 0.0, 1.0], "code_length"
-        )  # default to simulation axis
+    normal = data.ds.arr([0.0, 0.0, 1.0], "code_length")  # default to simulation axis
     pos = data.ds.arr([data[ptype, spos % ax] for ax in "xyz"]).T
     vel = data.ds.arr([data[ptype, f"relative_{svel % ax}"] for ax in "xyz"]).T
     return pos, vel, normal