Cardone 22-268 Rack and Pinion Assembly

Remanufactured Electronic Power Steering Rack

Cardone 22-268 is a remanufactured rack and pinion assembly built for direct replacement in select Ford and Mercury applications. It is engineered with new premium components, updated sealing parts, and a protective finish to support dependable steering performance in daily driving.

Compatible with 2001-2003 Ford Windstar and 2004-2007 Ford Freestar applications, this Cardone rack and pinion assembly is built around OE fitment and verified on-car communication testing. The Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly line focuses on remanufactured steering components that restore factory-style operation with attention to sealing, lubrication, and corrosion resistance.

Key Features

• Remanufactured Original Equipment-style fit for select Ford Windstar and Ford Freestar vehicles
• New spool valve seals and rack donut seals installed where applicable
• 100% replacement of rubber sealing components
• Specialized lubricant applied for extended service life
• Factory test drive performed under simulated extreme operating conditions
• Protective coating helps resist corrosion and rust
• Aluminum housing with black finish
• Tie rod ends included
• Rack length: 51.25 in. / 1301.75 mm
• Total turns lock to lock: 2.94

Detailed Description

Cardone 22-268 is a remanufactured electronic power steering rack and pinion assembly designed for vehicles that need a precise steering gear replacement. It uses aluminum construction, Teflon hose ports, M16 x 1.5 pressure and return threads, and a 2-bolt mounting layout with 11.50 in. (292.10 mm) between mounting holes. The unit is finished in black and includes a sealing kit and instruction sheet in the package contents.

This part cross-references Ford applications such as 1F2Z3504AARM and 4F2Z3504AA for the same steering rack and pinion application. For buyers searching for a 2001-2003 Ford Windstar rack and pinion assembly or a 2004-2007 Ford Freestar steering rack replacement, Cardone 22-268 provides a direct-fit remanufactured solution.

What It Can Help Fix

• Hard steering during the first few minutes of driving
• Power steering pump whine caused by air in the system after service
• Steering that does not return to center after a turn
• Internal bypass from worn spool valve sealing rings
• Fluid leaks from worn rack seals

Installation Notes and Tips

• Fits 2001-2003 Ford Windstar, N/A
• Fits 2004-2007 Ford Freestar, N/A
• Install an in-line filter and use OE fluid on listed Ford Freestar and Windstar applications
• Flush the hydraulic power steering system during installation
• Bleed the steering system completely to remove air and reduce pump noise
• Check front-end alignment if the steering does not return to center
• Inspect the return line for restriction or kinks if return-to-center is poor

Quality Assurance

Each Cardone remanufactured rack and pinion assembly is factory test driven to verify operation under demanding conditions and confirm on-car communications. The remanufacturing process replaces rubber sealing components, applies specialized lubricant, and uses a protective coating to support durability and corrosion resistance while reducing raw material and energy use versus producing a new part.