58 loose streering

[PhilKo]

I have a dune buggy with a 58 pan. 8 years ago, I took off the hood to fix some things, including the string coupler. When I put it back together, I found the steering shaft was loose inside the steering shaft tube at the top. I checked the steering column bushing, and it is intact, so I think maybe I left out a part.

I talked to the folks at a reputable VW parts house, and they did not know what it was. Do you have any ideas what I missed?

Thanks for any help:)

[scrivyscriv]

I’m not very familiar with that early of a beetle so apologies in advance. When you say it has movement, is it in and out axial play, or wobbly side to side radial play?
Can you take the steering wheel off and see what the upper bearing looks and feels like?
_________________
Robert in Memphis
Dünkelgrügen 1967 Java Green bug thread
Engine rebuild thread
If you're ever in the Memphis area, you are welcome to stop by for advice and help.

[Dougy Dee]

Possibly missing Steering Column Bushing 111415581A
Originally a non-plastic piece (maybe Micarta) like my original but Wolfsburg has a plastic one.

[PhilKo]

Thank you for responding:)

The play is side to side/up and down. I have the bushing. It has been a long time, but I feel like it was a thick washer that fit inside to column tube and around the steering column. That makes sense?