I have lots of ideas but you need to look under your car! If the steering box is still firmly attached to the frame wall, then you may have answered your own question. The pitman arm or lower part of the box may have broken. Unthinkable.

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63 220S W111
76 300D W115
2013 VW JSW TDI M6

previously-
73 280 SEL 4.5
86 300E 5 speed
2010 VW Jetta TDI M6