US Dollars
PRObuilt OEM Steering Gear Box
The last steering box you'll ever need for a Classic VW that actually gets driven. A genuine VW case with a brand-new worm gear and roller shaft, our Airkewld billet top cap that makes the box 40% tougher than factory, and a powder coated finish.
Inside, the PRObuilt and ECObuilt are built the same way, with the same parts, including a brand-new worm gear and roller shaft. The PRObuilt adds two things: a powder coated case and our Airkewld billet top cap, which makes the whole box 40% tougher than factory. If your VW sees potholes, curbs, dirt or race duty, this is the box. Read the full Buyer's Guide →
1What's In The Box
- OEM VW steering box case, powder coated
- Airkewld billet top cap (40% tougher than factory)
- Brand-new OEM-spec worm gear & roller shaft
- OEM VW worm adjuster + nut
- NOS roller bearings
- New seals & stainless hardware
- Greaseable zerks installed
- New jam nut
2PRObuilt vs ECObuilt at a Glance
Same new internals in both boxes. The PRObuilt adds the finish and the cap.
| Spec | PRObuilt (this box) | ECObuilt |
|---|---|---|
| Brand-New OEM-Spec Worm Gear & Roller | YES | YES |
| NOS Roller Bearings, New Seals & Stainless Hardware | YES | YES |
| Lifetime Corn Head Grease, Bench-Adjusted | YES | YES |
| Powder Coated Case | YES | ✕ NO |
| Airkewld Billet HD Top Cap (40% Tougher) | YES | ✕ NO |
See the full head-to-head comparison → · View the ECObuilt →
3How It's Made
Disassembly & Case Prep
- Complete teardown, degreasing and inspection
- Bench grinding, sanding and die grinding of casting marks
- Seal openings barrel-sanded for a precision fit
- Case masked, prepped and powder coated for durability
Component Prep
- OEM parts cleaned, audited and sandblasted
- Adjusters receive bluing treatment
- Oil-soaked to prevent premature wear
Reassembly
- Brand-new worm gear and roller shaft installed
- Bearings cleaned, grease-packed and installed
- New seals, washers and case components fitted
- Worm gear and roller precisely aligned
- Billet top cap installed
- Filled with lifetime Corn Head Grease
- Torque and adjustment set to Airkewld spec on our bench jig
4Kewl Features
- ✔ Powder coated case for protection and style
- ✔ Billet top cap, 40% tougher than factory
- ✔ Brand-new worm gear and roller shaft, not refurbished
- ✔ Gun-blued exposed steel surfaces
- ✔ Sharpened worm gear serrations for proper clamp adhesion
- ✔ Greaseable zerks for long-term serviceability
- ✔ Pre-filled with grease, no service required in your lifetime
- ✔ Bench-adjusted and ready to install out of the box
5Install & Steering Play
The box ships bolt-in ready. Before you blame any steering box for play, audit everything that contributes to steering feel:
- Steering wheel to shaft connection (torque spec)
- Shaft to male steering tee (torque spec)
- Rag joint (quality + torque spec)
- Steering box adjustment (set to PRO spec)
- Beam, pitman/drop arm and tie rod connections (torque + deflection)
- Steering dampener condition
- Tie rod end quality (not all "new" parts are equal)
- Control arm engagement with bushings/bearings
- Ball joints or king/link pins, depending on front end type
- Wheel bearings, lug torque, tire pressure and load rating
6Recommended Add-Ons
- Pre-1961 Type 1 owners: you'll need a '62–'68 pitman/drop arm for compatibility (available in options).
- Install Kit Upgrade: ARP stainless hardware and a color-matched powder coated clamp.
- OEM PRObuilt Rag Joint: replace aging rubber with a modern upgrade.
7FAQ
Show-quality looks, OEM heart, PRO-level assembly. The last steering box you'll ever need for your Classic VW.