Excessive free travel in steering

[Frank W. Jones]

I have a 66 Coupe with power steering which has what I belive to be excessive play or free travel in the steering. A complete alignment was completed this summer as well as replacement of front wheel bearings. I thought it might be the rag joint but upon inspection I didn't notice any visable play. When I put it up on jacks, I noticed that the ball stud in the power steering valve move quite a bit in both directins prior to any actual movement in steering linkage.
I'm sure that the ball stud must pivot to some degree but what would be consisdered excessive? I put a seal kit in the powersteering valve when I o'hauled the engine about two years ago. There is no vibration etc, just alot of free play. Is a new valve in order? Who would be a vendor if I need to repalce it.
Thank you in advance for sharing your expertise.
Frank
66 Coupe

[Mike McKown]

Re: Excessive free travel in steering

I can't give you a number but a "little" play at the ball stud will give you a "lot" of play at the wheel rim. Some kits come with new ball studs, many don't. The control valves are available many places, including NAPA.