JP Group Windshield Wiper Shaft (Spindle) with Bearing, Left or Right | VW Vanagon 1980–1991 LHD | OE 251 955 215 / 251 955 216 (JP-3212-0 / JP-3213-0)
Couldn't load pickup availability
JP Group Windshield Wiper Shaft (Spindle) with Bearing, Left or Right — VW Vanagon 1980–1991 (JP-3212-0 / JP-3213-0)
Short answer: JP Group JP-3212-0 (left) and JP-3213-0 (right) are new front windshield wiper shafts, also called wiper spindles or pivots, with their bearing housing, for the left-hand-drive 1980–1991 VW Vanagon. They replace VW OE 251 955 215 (left) and 251 955 216 (right). JP refs 1198151970 / 1198151980. Sold each.
Part numbers: JP-3212-0 · OE 251 955 215 · JP 1198151970 · UPC 707924570267 — JP-3213-0 · OE 251 955 216 · JP 1198151980 · UPC 707924570526
Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1980–1991 | VW Vanagon (incl. GL, Westfalia, Syncro), left-hand drive | JP-3212-0 left / JP-3213-0 right, front windshield (EMPI) |
| 1980–1992 | VW T3 / T25 (Europe), left-hand drive | Same part (T3 per EMPI) |
| All | Right-hand-drive T25 | Not confirmed — RHD wiper layout differs |
| 1968–1979 | VW Bay Window Bus | Does not fit — different wiper shafts |
| 1992–2003 | VW EuroVan | Does not fit |
EMPI's stock description for JP-3212-0 reads "Wiper Pin Front Left, 86mm". VW lists the genuine 251 955 215 shaft as discontinued, so good replacements are getting hard to find.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | JP Group (Denmark), US distributor EMPI |
| Part numbers | JP-3212-0 (left), JP-3213-0 (right) |
| VW OE numbers | 251 955 215 (left), 251 955 216 (right) |
| JP Group reference | 1198151970 / 1198151980 |
| UPC | 707924570267 / 707924570526 |
| Length | 86 mm (per EMPI stock description, left shaft) |
| Position | Front windshield, left or right |
| Sold as | Each |
| Shipping weight | Approx. 1 lb (estimate, not yet measured) |
| Condition | New |
Which one do I need?
| Version | Part # | Fits | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left (JP-3212-0) | JP-3212-0 | 1980–1991 Vanagon, left | $71.95 |
| Right (JP-3213-0) | JP-3213-0 | 1980–1991 Vanagon, right | $52.95 |
What's Included
- One wiper shaft with bearing housing for the side you select
Not Included
- Wiper arm, blade or nut
- Wiper linkage rods or motor
- Spindle-to-body seal (133 955 261) and cap
Why It Matters
The wiper shafts on a Vanagon live under the cowl where water collects. Over 30-plus years the shaft seizes in its bushing, the housing corrodes, or the splines wear so the arm slips. Symptoms are wipers that move slowly or stop on one side, a motor that hums or blows its fuse, an arm that will not stay tight, and a squeak on every stroke.
Freeing up a seized shaft rarely lasts. A new shaft restores smooth, full-speed wiping and takes load off the wiper motor and linkage, which are far more expensive to replace. JP Group is a Danish maker of replacement parts for classic and later Volkswagens, sold in the US through EMPI. Washburn's Metal in Orange, CA lists each JP part with its VW OE number and JP reference so you can check it against your old part before you order.
Installation Notes
- Park the wipers, disconnect the battery, and remove the wiper arms and spindle nuts.
- Remove the cowl / dash access panel to reach the linkage. Unclip the linkage rod from the shaft crank.
- Remove the old shaft and clean the mounting area. Fit a new spindle-to-body seal if the old one is cracked.
- Grease the new shaft lightly, fit it, reconnect the linkage and test before refitting the arms.
- Set the arms so the blades park just above the lower edge of the windshield.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it fit my 1987 Vanagon Westfalia?
Yes. EMPI lists both shafts for the 1980–1991 Vanagon, and the Westfalia uses the same windshield wipers.
Left or right — how do I tell?
Left is the driver side on a US (left-hand-drive) van. JP-3212-0 is left (251 955 215), JP-3213-0 is right (251 955 216).
Is this the same as VW 251 955 215?
Yes. EMPI lists JP-3212-0 as the replacement for OE 251 955 215, and JP-3213-0 for 251 955 216.
Should I replace both?
If one is seized, the other is usually close behind. Many owners do both while the linkage is apart.
What else do I need?
A new spindle-to-body seal and, if worn, linkage bushings. The arms and nuts are reused.
Does it fit a right-hand-drive T25?
Not confirmed. RHD vans use a mirrored wiper layout.
Is it new or rebuilt?
New, from JP Group.
Explore Related Categories
VW Vanagon Parts | Electrical & Ignition | All VW Air-Cooled Parts
Volkswagen® and model names are trademarks of Volkswagen AG. Washburn's Metal is not affiliated with or endorsed by Volkswagen. Part numbers are for reference only.
California Prop 65 Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
