VW T2 driveshaft:
2 types, measure first
Two versions, 23mm difference, and a costly mistake if you get it wrong. Here's how to do it right.
Read this before ordering. The T2 Bus has two types of driveshafts that look almost identical from the outside. If you order the wrong one, it won't fit. Always measure the stub axle length of your old axle first, or read below how to check the year of manufacture.
What is a driveshaft anyway?
The driveshaft connects the gearbox to the rear wheel. On a T2 with IRS suspension (independent rear suspension), there is one driveshaft on each side. The shaft transmits torque via splines, the teeth you see at both ends, to the universal joints.
Driveshaft wear manifests as:
- play or clunking when accelerating or braking
- vibrations in the floor or the rear part of the bus
- clicking sound from the rear axle that gets worse in turns
If you wait too long, your universal joint or bearing will also be damaged. A simple axle replacement then becomes a much bigger job.
Two lengths, two model years
Volkswagen built the T2 with IRS suspension from August 1967. In August 1970, during the transition from T2a to T2b, the stub axle length was adjusted. That shorter size remained the standard until the end of production.
Note the OEM number: 211 501 265 versus 211 501 265C. The "C" suffix indicates the revised version, smaller dimensions, same basic construction.
How to measure the correct size?
Step by step
- Remove the driveshaft from the bus and lay it on a flat surface.
- Measure the total stub axle length from the end of the splines on the inner side to the end on the outer side.
- Do not include the flange part (the wide disc-shaped part), only the axle shaft itself.
08/67 – 07/70
08/70 – 07/92
If you've just bought the bus or aren't sure if the suspension has ever been tampered with, then simply measure the old axle; the model year alone isn't always reliable in that case.
Ordering the correct axle
We have both axles in our top-quality range. Choose based on your measurement or model year:
Not sure which one you need?
Just WhatsApp us. We drive T2b and Beetle ourselves, know the pitfalls, and will help you quickly.