Steering Swing Lever Rebuild Kit - VW Bus (1968-1979) - 211-498-171A

VW Bus Steering Swing Lever Rebuild Kit – 211-498-171A

Restore the precision and safety of your steering system with this Steering Swing Lever Rebuild Kit (also known as a Center Pivot or Idler Arm kit). This kit is the definitive solution for the common "loose steering" or "wandering" felt in late-model Volkswagen Type 2 Transporters. The swing lever is the central pivot point that converts your steering box's fore-and-aft movement into the side-to-side action that turns your wheels.

When the internal bushings and pin wear out, they create significant "slop" in the steering wheel, making the vehicle difficult to keep centered on the road. This comprehensive kit provides all the necessary high-wear components to refresh the pivot assembly, ensuring a tight, factory-fresh steering feel and improved handling.

Detailed Vehicle Compatibility

This rebuild kit is designed for the "Bay Window" Bus and fits continuously across the following models and years:

VW Type 2 Bus (Transporter, Kombi, Campmobile)

• 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979

Product Highlights & Features

• Complete Overhaul Kit: Includes the center pivot pin, bushings, shims, seals, lock plate, and the grease cap.

• Direct OEM Replacement: Manufactured to match the exact tolerances of VW part number 211-498-171A.

• Enhanced Safety: Eliminates dangerous steering wander and reduces the "dead spot" in the center of your steering wheel rotation.

• Heavy-Duty Materials: Features hardened steel pins and high-quality bushings designed to withstand the weight and steering stress of a fully loaded Bus.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 211-498-171A

• Application: Front Steering / Center Pivot Arm

• Kit Contents: Pin, Bushings, Seals, Lock Hardware, Shims, Grease Cap

• Installation Note: Does not typically require a reamer for the 68-79 style (unlike the earlier 55-67 versions).

Installation & Maintenance Tips

• The "Wiggle" Test: To check if your current lever is bad, have a partner turn the steering wheel back and forth while you watch the center pivot pin. If the pin moves up and down or side-to-side before the wheels turn, your bushings are shot.

• Grease is Key: Once installed, use the integrated grease fitting to pack the housing with a high-quality lithium-based grease. We recommend greasing this pivot point at every oil change to maximize the life of the new bushings.

• Alignment Check: Whenever you replace critical steering components like the swing lever pin, it is a best practice to have a professional front-end alignment performed to ensure your tires wear evenly.

• Clean the Housing: Before pressing in the new bushings, ensure the inside of the steering beam housing is completely free of old, hardened grease and debris to avoid premature wear.

211498171A

211498171AGR

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