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Cardone 26-1989 Rack and Pinion Assembly
Reliable Rack and Pinion Assembly for Mazda Protege Models
The Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 26-1989 is designed specifically for Mazda Protege and Protege5 vehicles, providing precise steering control and durability. This remanufactured steering component combines steel and aluminum casting materials to ensure strength and longevity.
- Compatible with Mazda Protege and Protege5 models
- Remanufactured rack and pinion assembly for reliable performance
- Constructed from steel and aluminum casting materials
- Includes tie rod ends for complete steering system replacement
- Input shaft diameter: 0.74 inches (18.67 mm), length: 1.50 inches (38.10 mm)
- Rack length: 47.00 inches (1193.80 mm) with 2.69 total turns lock to lock
- Pressure and return port thread size: M16 x 1.5 with seat-type hose ports
- Distance between mounting holes: 3.19 inches (80.98 mm)
About the Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly Product Line
The Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly product line focuses on remanufactured steering components engineered to meet or exceed OEM specifications. This line offers a balance of quality and value by using durable materials such as steel and aluminum, ensuring consistent steering response and fitment accuracy. The 26-1989 part number is part of this line, designed to restore proper steering function in compatible Mazda vehicles.
Detailed Product Description
This remanufactured rack and pinion assembly features a robust steel and aluminum casting that provides strength while maintaining a manageable weight. The assembly includes tie rod ends, which are critical for connecting the steering rack to the wheels. With a rack length of 47 inches and a total of 2.69 turns lock to lock, it offers precise steering input and control. The input shaft measures 0.74 inches in diameter and 1.50 inches in length, designed to fit the steering column of Mazda Protege and Protege5 models. The assembly uses seat-type hose ports with M16 x 1.5 thread sizes for pressure and return lines, ensuring secure hydraulic connections.
Common Steering Issues Addressed by This Rack and Pinion Assembly
- Hard steering during initial minutes of driving (often called "morning sickness")
- Steering not returning to center after turns
- Power steering pump whining caused by air in the system
- Loose or imprecise steering feel due to worn rack components
- Steering rack leaks or failure affecting vehicle control
Installation Notes and Tips
Ensure the mounting holes align with the 3.19-inch (80.98 mm) spacing for proper fitment. Verify the input shaft diameter and length match your vehicle’s steering column specifications. Bleed the power steering system thoroughly after installation to remove air and prevent pump noise. Use the included instruction sheet for guidance, and confirm that tie rod ends are properly torqued to manufacturer specifications.
Quality Assurance and Warranty
This Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 26-1989 is remanufactured to meet OEM standards, ensuring reliable performance and durability. The product is free from e-waste components and undergoes rigorous testing before shipment. Warranty details are provided by Cardone and typically cover defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period.
| Brand | Cardone |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 26-1989 |
| Position | Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| Casting Material | Steel; aluminum |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (in) | 3.19 |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (mm) | 80.98 |
| E-Waste | No |
| FAQs | For the first few minutes of driving my car, the steering is hard |
| FAQs | I replaced the rack and now the power steering pump is whining. w |
| FAQs | Steering not returning to center coming out of a turn. what could |
| FAQs | The most likely cause of power steering pump whine is air in the |
| FAQs | The rack and pinion does not return to center by itself. the geom |
| FAQs | This symptom is classified as "morning sickness". this condition |
| Hose Port Type | Seat |
| Input Shaft Diameter (in) | 0.74 |
| Input Shaft Diameter (mm) | 18.67 |
| Input Shaft Length (in) | 1.50 |
| Input Shaft Length (mm) | 38.10 |
| Number of Mounting Holes | 2 |
| Package Contents | Rack and pinion, instruction sheet |
| Pressure Port Thread Size | M16 x 1.5 |
| Product Condition | Remanufactured |
| Rack Length (in) | 47.00 |
| Rack Length (mm) | 1193.80 |
| Return Port Thread Size | M16 x 1.5 |
| Steering Rack Color | Black |
| Thread Length (in) | 2.20 |
| Thread Length (mm) | 55.88 |
| Tie Rod Ends Included | Yes |
| Total Turns Lock to Lock | 2.69 |
This part fits 7 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Mazda | Protege | 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 |
| 2003 | Mazda | Protege5 | 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 |
| 2002 | Mazda | Protege | 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 |
| 2002 | Mazda | Protege5 | 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 |
| 2001 | Mazda | Protege | 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 |
| 2000 | Mazda | Protege | 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 |
| 1999 | Mazda | Protege | 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 |
* 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.