Has anyone rebuild PS steering gear assembly?

My friend has -86 vanagon which has noticable play at the one end of
steering gear assembly just after ball joint.  Play is in driving
direction..not in gears.  He has replaced the joint at this same side last
year.  I assume the plastic (or metal?) bearing bush must be replaced.
Otherwise it is in good condition.

This part (bearing bush) is not available through dealer.  They sell only
total units for 1000 USD.  There is seal kit available for 50 USD but it
doesn't include this part.  Do he have to make new one from nylon or similar
material the old one was?

Someone said they rebuild these units only in Germany, is this right?

Any help would be appreciated.

Juha Koivisto
88 Vanagon (Caravelle) 1,6TD (old school bus with 9 seats)
TURKU, FINLAND