Cardone 1A-2003 Rack and Pinion Assembly

Electronic Power Steering Rack for Fusion, MKZ, and Milan

Cardone 1A-2003 is a remanufactured electronic power steering rack and pinion assembly built for direct replacement on select Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury applications. It is engineered for the 2010-2012 Ford Fusion, 2011-2012 Lincoln MKZ, and 2010-2011 Mercury Milan with electronic power assist.

This CARDONE Rack and Pinion Assembly line focuses on OE-style fitment and restored steering performance. The 1A-2003 includes inner tie rods and is finished in black protective coating for corrosion resistance.

Key Features

• Remanufactured Original Equipment-style rack and pinion assembly
• Includes inner tie rods
• All rubber sealing components are replaced
• New spool valve seals and rack donut seals help reduce internal leakage where applicable
• Specialized lubricant is applied during remanufacturing for extended service life
• Factory test drive verifies operation under extreme conditions and checks on-car communications
• Protective black finish helps resist rust and corrosion
• Valve housings feature polished micro-finish sleeves where applicable
• Earth-friendly remanufacturing process reduces raw material and energy use versus new part production

Detailed Description

The Cardone 1A-2003 electronic power steering rack and pinion assembly is remanufactured to restore steering response and OE fit on select Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercury Milan vehicles. It measures 45 inches in rack length, uses a 3-hole mounting layout, and is built with a 0.73-inch input shaft diameter and 2.8 total turns lock to lock. The assembly is supplied with a caution tag, instruction sheet, and packing material.

Cardone remanufactures this steering rack with new sealing components, specialized lubrication, and a protective coating to support long-term operation. This part cross-references Ford/Lincoln/Mercury OE number AE5Z3504CE for the same application.

What It Helps Fix

• Steering play or loose steering feel
• Internal fluid leakage from worn seals
• Uneven or inconsistent steering assist
• Noise or binding in the steering rack assembly
• Failure of the electronic power steering rack on affected vehicles

Installation Notes and Tips

Fits 2010-2012 Ford Fusion, with Electronic Power Assist. Fits 2011-2012 Lincoln MKZ, with Electronic Power Assist. Fits 2010-2011 Mercury Milan, with Electronic Power Assist. Flash programming is required after installation, and the software must be downloaded from the vehicle manufacturer and programmed using a J2534 device.

Verify mounting-hole spacing, input shaft dimensions, and vehicle steering configuration before installation. Because this is an electronic power steering rack, proper post-installation programming is necessary for correct operation.

Quality Assurance

Cardone remanufactures this rack and pinion assembly to rigorous quality and performance standards and tests each unit on a factory drive cycle that simulates demanding operating conditions. The process replaces all rubber sealing components and uses premium replacement parts to support reliable service life.

The remanufacturing process also reduces energy and raw material use by up to 80% compared with producing a new part.