64 1/2 POWERSTEERING PROBLEMS

The ball stud normally just controls the power control valve, and the power assist does most of the work of moving the drag-link, so normally the ball stud shouldn't see a lot of wear. However, when you turn the steering wheel while the engine is off, or if you try to turn while the car isn't moving so that the power assist is insufficient to turn the wheels, then the steering system acts just like manual steering, where the pittman arm pushes the ball stud all the way to one side until it bottoms out agains its seat, and then pushes some more until the whole drag link moves to turn the wheels. I suspect that you are probably doing a lot of turning while at a full stop. I don't know for sure, but it might also be caused by inadequate power assist due to a bad pump.

ALL of that type steering is loose! That's the way it's designed. It should, however, tighten right up with the engine running. If it doesn't, then there's something to check out.