Rebuilt German VW Steering Box — Late Bay Window Worm & Roller | Type 2 Bus 1973–1979

Short answer: This is a fully rebuilt genuine German worm-and-roller steering box for 1973–1979 Type 2 Bay Window Buses (left-hand drive); it bolts in with factory hardware but does not fit 1968–1972 Early Bay Buses (211415049H-GER).

The same professional rebuild we put into every German steering box we sell — now for the Late Bay. If your Bus wanders, has a dead spot on center, or you're chasing an inch or more of play at the wheel, a worn box is the usual culprit, and this one ships ready to bolt in.

Built on a genuine German housing, no core required, in stock and ready to ship, and backed by a one-year replacement warranty.

Have a core you'd like to sell? Give us a call — we'd love to buy it.

Early Bay or Late Bay? VW used a worm-and-peg box on the Bus through July 1972 (the 1972 model year). Starting with the 1973 model year (August 1972), the Late Bay switched to this worm-and-roller box, and the two are not interchangeable. If your Bus is a 1968–1972, see our Rebuilt Early Bay Steering Box instead.

Fitment

• VW Type 2 Bay Window Bus: 1973–1979 model years (August 1972 – July 1979 production), including Kombi, Microbus, Westfalia, Panel, Single Cab and Double Cab
• Left-hand drive (Late Bay boxes are handed; RHD Buses use a mirror-image box)
• Not for 1968–1972 Early Bay (different worm-and-peg box, 211 415 049 F)
• Not for Split Window or Vanagon

Key Features & Benefits

• Precision Machining: Input shaft, sector shaft, and worm gear are polished and lathe-machined to remove all pitting for a smooth, catch-free rotation.
• Complete Hardware Refresh: All internal bearings and cups replaced with new, high-quality components.
• Housing Restoration: Genuine German casting sand-blasted and refinished in black, with a clean bare-aluminum top cover for a professional appearance.
• Leak Protection: New seals on both input and sector shafts, plus a new sector shaft bushing to prevent leaks and side-to-side play.
• Professional Assembly: Hand-assembled and filled with 00 Grease (Corn Header Grease) — the gold standard for vintage steering boxes.
• Final Calibration: Bench-tested and adjusted to factory spec for zero play on center.
• Protected for Shipping: Sector shaft splines capped and the input shaft sleeved so it arrives ready to install.
• No Core Required: outright purchase, one-year replacement warranty.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 211415049H-GER
• Original VW Reference: 211 415 049 H
• Design: Worm & roller
• Housing: Genuine German casting, refinished
• Lubricant: 00 Grease (Corn Header Grease), pre-filled
• Condition: Professionally rebuilt
• Core Charge: None
• Warranty: One year, replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this a genuine German box? Yes — this is a genuine German housing, fully rebuilt in our shop.
• Is there a core charge? No core required. This is an outright purchase. Have a core you'd like to sell? Give us a call — we'd love to buy it.
• Will this fit my 1973 Bus? Yes. The 1973 model year (built from August 1972) is the first year of this box and it runs through the 1979 model year.
• Will it fit my 1968–1972 Bus? No — the Early Bay uses a worm-and-peg box with different internals. See our Early Bay steering box instead.
• Does it fit a right-hand-drive Bus? No — this is a left-hand-drive box.
• Can I install it myself? Yes, with basic VW front-end experience. Bolts in using factory hardware. Re-center the box and set your toe after installation.
• Is there a warranty? Yes — one year, replacement.
• What is the part number? 211415049H-GER; the original VW reference is 211 415 049 H.

Explore Related Categories

Refreshing your front end? Browse Steering & Components, Chassis & Suspension, and the Restoration Line.

Prop 65 Warning

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.