I had a look at the assembly, and sure enough it shows the same wear as others have noted – David and Neil, (and Neil’s Vanagon Wiki article on assembly worth a look).
And a good Samba thread on subject here.
So what to do? A copper bushing as Neil did or a bronze shaft as David did? Or both?
Will report back.
July 2016, reporting back. Did a fix of the problem, post is here
shooftie 
#1 by Speedygeorge (Ken) on September 29, 2010 - 7:12 pm
You’ve been a very busy boy judging by your blog, looks great.
#2 by albell on September 29, 2010 - 7:47 pm
hey, how about we have another vanagon meet?
alistair
#3 by Simon on November 3, 2010 - 9:04 pm
When is the next meet? Mebbe time to revive the postong on the samba?
#4 by albell on November 3, 2010 - 9:17 pm
why drop drop speedygeorge a note? see what he thinks