When I pulled apart my steering column I noticed a small plastic bush about 30mm long that sits above the top bearing and just under the steering wheel. Its cracked in two bits
It is not shown on the steering diagram I have.
What is it and what does it do?
Its a 72 S Beetle.

Anyone know the bit I mean?

Brad its just a spacer so the steering wheel has something to pull down on

nothing really happens without one tho
i think i may have a couple floating around, ill have a look over the weekend

this is the bit right?

Yep, that be the bit Joel. It kinda looks like the bit does nothing special. So there would be no problem if it wasn't installed?
If ya find one over the weekend I'll grab it off ya. Other than that I was just going to find some plastic pipe or hose and make one to fit.

Ya wouldn't have a spare glove box sitting around would you Joel? Been trying to get one for ages through the normal channels.

ive found bugs where its fallen apart with age and hasnt been replaced... no effect at all
as long as the nut behind the wheel is good

ill see if i can find one tho

ive got some old gloveboxes around but they are all abit sorry looking

honestly though do yourself a favour and buy a fibreglass one, you'll be glad in the long run
John Sherman makes them, ive seen them sitting in his workshop

The po had fashioned a VB carton into a glovebox. While I applaud the ingenuity, cardboard has a certain life span when used as a structural material. Fibreglass sounds way better. Who is John Sherman and how do I reach him?

http://www.volksconversions.com.au 
Email: jpsherman@volksconversions.com.au

Ah cool, he's at Labrador. Thats 20 mins away. Thanks colonel.

a very happy un-birthday to you

Cool as Joel, I will pm you some details. Thanks!