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Cardone 22-281 Rack and Pinion Assembly
Overview of Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 22-281
The Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 22-281 is a remanufactured steering component designed for precise control and reliable performance. Engineered for Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner models, this assembly ensures consistent steering response and durability.
- Remanufactured rack and pinion assembly with included sealing kit and instruction sheet
- Constructed with lightweight aluminum casting material for strength and corrosion resistance
- Compatible with Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner vehicles
- Includes tie rod ends for a complete steering solution
- Features O-ring type hose ports and precise input shaft dimensions (0.73 in diameter, 1.75 in length)
- Rack length measures 51 inches (1295.4 mm) with 2.88 total turns lock to lock
- Black steering rack color with two mounting holes spaced 17.75 inches (450.85 mm) apart
About the Rack and Pinion Assembly Product Line
The Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly product line focuses on remanufactured steering gear components that meet OEM specifications. This line provides a cost-effective alternative to new parts while maintaining performance and reliability. The assemblies come complete with necessary seals and tie rod ends, facilitating straightforward installation and restoring proper steering function.
Detailed Product Description
This Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 22-281 is designed to replace worn or damaged steering racks in select Ford, Mazda, and Mercury SUVs. The aluminum casting material offers a balance of durability and weight savings, contributing to vehicle handling efficiency. The assembly includes two mounting holes spaced 17.75 inches apart, ensuring proper fitment and secure installation. The input shaft diameter of 0.73 inches and length of 1.75 inches match OEM specifications for seamless integration. The included tie rod ends and sealing kit provide a comprehensive solution to restore steering precision and reduce play.
Common Steering Issues Addressed
- Hard steering during initial minutes of driving
- Power steering pump whining after rack replacement
- Steering not returning to center after turns
- Air trapped in the power steering system causing noise
- Steering rack "morning sickness" symptoms
Installation Notes and Tips
- Ensure all mounting holes align with vehicle chassis for proper fitment
- Use the included sealing kit to prevent fluid leaks and maintain system pressure
- Bleed the power steering system thoroughly to remove air and prevent pump noise
- Verify input shaft dimensions match the vehicle’s steering column for compatibility
- Follow the instruction sheet carefully to avoid installation errors
Quality Assurance and Warranty
This remanufactured Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 22-281 undergoes rigorous testing to meet performance standards. The product is built to restore steering function to OEM levels. While specific warranty details are not provided here, Cardone typically offers limited warranties on remanufactured parts to ensure customer confidence and product reliability.
| Brand | Cardone |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 22-281 |
| Position | Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| Casting Material | Aluminum |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (in) | 17.75 |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (mm) | 450.85 |
| E-Waste | No |
| Hose Port Type | O-Ring |
| Input Shaft Diameter (in) | 0.73 |
| Input Shaft Diameter (mm) | 18.42 |
| Input Shaft Length (in) | 1.75 |
| Input Shaft Length (mm) | 44.45 |
| Number of Mounting Holes | 2 |
| Package Contents | Rack and Pinion, Sealing Kit, Instruction Sheet |
| Pressure Port ID Size | 0.436 |
| Product Condition | Remanufactured |
| Rack Length (in) | 51.00 |
| Rack Length (mm) | 1295.40 |
| Return Port ID Size | 0.386 |
| Steering Rack Color | Black |
| Thread Length (in) | 2.50 |
| Thread Length (mm) | 63.50 |
| Tie Rod Ends Included | Yes |
| Total Turns Lock to Lock | 2.88 |
This part fits 13 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Submodel | Fuel Type | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Ford | Escape | GAS | N/A | with P235/70R16 Tires; Before 01/08/2007; Includes Inner Tie Rods; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
| 2007 | Mercury | Mariner | Premier | N/A | with P235/70R16 Tires; Before 01/08/2007; Includes Inner Tie Rods; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
| 2007 | Mercury | Mariner | Luxury | N/A | with P235/70R16 Tires; Before 01/08/2007; Includes Inner Tie Rods; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
| 2007 | Mercury | Mariner | Convenience | N/A | with P235/70R16 Tires; Before 01/08/2007; Includes Inner Tie Rods; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
| 2006 | Ford | Escape | GAS | N/A | with P235/70R16 Tires; Includes Inner Tie Rods; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
| 2006 | Mazda | Tribute | N/A | Install in-line filter and use OE fluid; flush hydraulic power system when installing Rack and Pinion Assembly with inner tie rods for warranty validation.; Rack and Pinion Assembly | ||
| 2006 | Mercury | Mariner | Premier | N/A | with P235/70R16 Tires; Includes Inner Tie Rods; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
| 2006 | Mercury | Mariner | Convenience | N/A | with P235/70R16 Tires; Includes Inner Tie Rods; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
| 2006 | Mercury | Mariner | Luxury | N/A | with P235/70R16 Tires; Includes Inner Tie Rods; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
| 2005 | Ford | Escape | GAS | N/A | with P235/70R16 Tires; Includes Inner Tie Rods; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
| 2005 | Mazda | Tribute | N/A | Install in-line filter and use OE fluid; flush hydraulic power system when installing Rack and Pinion Assembly with inner tie rods for warranty validation.; Rack and Pinion Assembly | ||
| 2005 | Mercury | Mariner | N/A | with P235/70R16 Tires; Includes Inner Tie Rods; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | ||
| 2004 | Ford | Escape | N/A | with P235/70R16 Tires; From 12/23/2003; Includes Inner Tie Rods; In-Line Filter available; For warranty purposes it is recommended to always install a filter and to use suggested OE Fluid and flush the system; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
* Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.
This part directly replaces or is cross-referenced with the following part numbers:
Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.