Will this Gear Oil Drain Plug with Magnet fit my VW Bus or Vanagon?

Yes! The GoWesty Gear Oil Drain Plug with Magnet is designed to be a direct fit for all 1968–79 VW Type II (Bus) and 1980–91 Vanagon manual and automatic transaxles. That includes 7-Passenger models, Campmobiles, Westfalia, Wolfsburg Editions, Multivans, and more. If you’re working on a classic Bus or Vanagon, this plug fits right in place of your original and even works for both the fill and drain ports.

What are the benefits of the external-hex design and magnet compared to the stock plug?

The external-hex design makes installation and removal much easier—just use a common 17mm wrench or socket instead of hunting down an Allen key. The strong magnet on the tip is a real game-changer, as it attracts and traps metal particles in your gearbox oil, making it easy to monitor wear and helping to protect your transmission by preventing these particles from circulating.

Is installation of the magnetic gear oil drain plug difficult? Any tips?

Installation is straightforward and DIY-friendly. Simply remove your original internal-hex plug using the proper tool, then hand-tighten the new plug and finish with a 17mm wrench or socket. Always replace the sealing washer and torque to factory specs to avoid leaks. Many customers mention how much easier this external-hex plug is to install or remove during oil changes, and it helps simplify your toolkit!

Will this magnetic plug help extend the life of my gearbox or transaxle?

Absolutely! The strong magnet inside the GoWesty drain plug collects harmful steel shavings and particles from your gear oil, allowing you to spot potential issues early and keep them from recirculating through your transmission. This added protection is highly recommended by VW enthusiasts and pros for preserving your gearbox over the long term.

Can I buy this as part of a kit or save money on gear oil plugs for my VW?

Yes—GoWesty also offers a Drain & Fill Plug Kit, which is a cost-effective way to upgrade your Bus or Vanagon with both magnetic drain and fill plug replacements. Bundling them together saves money compared to individual pieces and gives you peace of mind with full protection and simplified maintenance for your classic VW.

Gear Oil Drain Plug with Magnet [Bus/Vanagon]

Name: Gear Oil Drain Plug with Magnet [Bus/Vanagon]
SKU: GEAR-OIL-PLUG
Price: 15.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Gear Oil Drain Plug with Magnet [Bus/Vanagon]

Product:	GEAR-OIL-PLUG
Works With:	1968-1991
Manufacturer:	GoWesty
Availability:	Good Stock
Wrench Rating:	Requires some hand & power tools and minimal mechanical knowledge.

$15.00

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Proposition 65: This product may contain chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

This GoWesty-designed external-hex gear oil drain plug replaces the original internal-hex plugs for both the fill and drain ports. The external-hex feature makes it possible to use a 17mm wrench or socket, making the job much easier. Finally! Plus, our plug comes with a strong magnet that will pick up any pesky metal shavings. Sweet!

Fits: All 1968-79 Type II Bus and 1980-91 Vanagon manual and automatic transaxles.

Pro tip: Check out our Drain & Fill Plug Kit and save a couple bucks.