Cardone 22-253E Rack and Pinion Assembly

Remanufactured Steering Rack for Thunderbird and LS

Cardone 22-253E is a remanufactured electronic power steering rack and pinion assembly built for direct OE-style replacement on select Ford Thunderbird and Lincoln LS applications. It is engineered with new premium components, updated sealing parts, and a factory test drive process that checks operation under demanding conditions.

This rack and pinion assembly is built around a protective finish, aluminum casting material, and precise OE fitment for vehicles that use hydraulic power steering with an Electronic Variable Orifice (EVO) component. The Cardone rack and pinion assembly line focuses on restoring steering response while maintaining on-car communication where equipped.

Key Features

• Remanufactured OE-style rack and pinion assembly for direct replacement
• Cardone 22-253E includes new spool valve seals and rack donut seals where applicable
• 100% replacement of rubber sealing components
• Specialized lubricant applied for extended service life
• Factory test driven to verify performance and on-car communications
• Protective coating helps resist corrosion and rust
• Aluminum housing construction
• Tie rod ends included

Product Line Details

Cardone’s Rack and Pinion Assembly line is remanufactured to restore steering function with OE-level fit and updated wear components. Each unit is processed with attention to sealing integrity, internal lubrication, and communication checks for electronic steering systems, making it a practical choice for drivers servicing a Ford Thunderbird or Lincoln LS with hydraulic power steering and EVO equipment.

Fitment

• Fits 2002 Ford Thunderbird, N/A, supplied with Electronic Variable Orifice (EVO) component; includes inner tie rods; in-line filter available; with hydraulic power steering.
• Fits 2003 Ford Thunderbird, N/A, supplied with Electronic Variable Orifice (EVO) component; before 11/18/2002; includes inner tie rods; in-line filter available; with hydraulic power steering.
• Fits 2000-2002 Lincoln LS, N/A, supplied with Electronic Variable Orifice (EVO) component; includes inner tie rods; in-line filter available; with hydraulic power steering.
• Fits 2003 Lincoln LS, N/A, supplied with Electronic Variable Orifice (EVO) component; before 11/18/2002; includes inner tie rods; in-line filter available; with hydraulic power steering.

Common Issues This Part Addresses

• Hard steering during the first few minutes of driving
• Internal fluid bypass caused by worn rack seals
• Steering that does not return to center after a turn
• Power steering pump whine caused by air in the system after service
• Corrosion or wear in the steering rack housing and seals

Installation Notes

Before installing Cardone 22-253E, inspect the power steering system for contamination, restricted return flow, and alignment concerns. For warranty purposes, Cardone recommends installing an in-line filter, using the suggested OE fluid, and flushing the system thoroughly. The steering system must be bled completely after installation to remove air and reduce pump noise.

For vehicles such as the Ford Thunderbird and Lincoln LS, verify EVO configuration and build date coverage before replacement. If the steering does not return to center after installation, check front-end alignment and inspect the return line for kinks or restrictions.

Quality Assurance

Each Cardone remanufactured rack and pinion assembly is factory test driven under simulated extreme operating conditions and checked for proper on-car communication where applicable. The remanufacturing process replaces worn rubber sealing components and uses specialized lubricant to support durability. This process also reduces the energy and raw material needed to produce a new part by 80%.

This part cross-references Ford and Lincoln OE numbers for the same application.