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Cardone 26-2022 Rack and Pinion Assembly
Reliable Rack and Pinion Assembly for Ford LS and Thunderbird
The Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 26-2022 is designed to restore precise steering control for Ford LS and Lincoln Thunderbird models. This remanufactured steering component offers durable aluminum construction and includes essential sealing kits for a complete installation.
- Remanufactured rack and pinion assembly with aluminum casting
- Compatible with Ford LS and Lincoln Thunderbird vehicles
- Includes rack and pinion, EVO sealing kit, sealing kit, and instruction sheet
- Three mounting holes spaced 11.13 inches (282.58 mm) apart
- Input shaft diameter of 0.73 inches (18.52 mm) and length of 1.50 inches (38.10 mm)
- Black steering rack color with O-ring type hose ports
- Tie rod ends included for a complete steering solution
- Total steering turns lock to lock: 2.75
About the Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly Product Line
The Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly line focuses on remanufactured steering components engineered to meet or exceed OEM specifications. This product line emphasizes quality restoration of steering gear and related components, ensuring reliable performance and fitment for specific vehicle applications such as the Ford LS and Lincoln Thunderbird. Each assembly is carefully rebuilt with precision machining and includes necessary sealing kits to facilitate proper installation and long-term durability.
Detailed Product Description
This Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 26-2022 features a robust aluminum casting that balances strength and weight reduction. The rack length measures 44.88 inches (1139.83 mm), providing the correct fit for the specified Ford and Lincoln models. The assembly includes three mounting holes spaced 11.13 inches (282.58 mm) apart, ensuring secure attachment to the vehicle chassis. The input shaft diameter and length are 0.73 inches (18.52 mm) and 1.50 inches (38.10 mm), respectively, designed to match the steering column interface precisely. Hose ports utilize O-ring seals to prevent leaks, and the included tie rod ends complete the steering linkage for a comprehensive replacement solution.
Common Steering Issues Addressed
- Hard steering during initial driving periods, often referred to as "morning sickness"
- Power steering pump whining caused by air in the system after rack replacement
- Steering not returning to center after turns due to worn or faulty rack components
- Loose or imprecise steering feel resulting from damaged rack and pinion assembly
- Leaking seals or fluid loss in the steering gear assembly
Installation Notes and Tips
Installation of the Cardone 26-2022 rack and pinion assembly should be performed by a qualified technician familiar with Ford LS and Lincoln Thunderbird steering systems. The package includes an EVO sealing kit and additional sealing components to ensure proper sealing and prevent leaks. Verify the distance between mounting holes (11.13 inches) and input shaft dimensions before installation to confirm compatibility. Bleed the power steering system thoroughly after installation to remove air and prevent pump noise or steering stiffness.
Quality Assurance and Warranty
This remanufactured rack and pinion assembly undergoes rigorous testing to meet OEM standards for fit, form, and function. Cardone provides a limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, offering assurance of product reliability for Ford LS and Lincoln Thunderbird owners. Refer to Cardone's warranty documentation for specific terms and conditions.
| Brand | Cardone |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 26-2022 |
| Position | Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| Casting Material | Aluminum |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (in) | 11.13 |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (mm) | 282.58 |
| E-Waste | No |
| Hose Port Type | O-Ring |
| Input Shaft Diameter (in) | 0.73 |
| Input Shaft Diameter (mm) | 18.52 |
| Input Shaft Length (in) | 1.50 |
| Input Shaft Length (mm) | 38.10 |
| Number of Mounting Holes | 3 |
| Package Contents | Rack and Pinion, EVO Sealing Kit, Sealing Kit, Instruction Sheet |
| Pressure Port ID Size | 0.556 |
| Product Condition | Remanufactured |
| Rack Length (in) | 44.88 |
| Rack Length (mm) | 1139.83 |
| Return Port ID Size | 0.436 |
| Steering Rack Color | Black |
| Thread Length (in) | 2.25 |
| Thread Length (mm) | 57.15 |
| Tie Rod Ends Included | Yes |
| Total Turns Lock to Lock | 2.75 |
This part fits 7 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Lincoln | LS | N/A | Supplied without EVO Component; Includes Inner Tie Rods; In-Line Filter available; Recommended to always install a filter and use OE Fluid for warranty purposes; Flush the system with Hydraulic Power.; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2005 | Ford | Thunderbird | N/A | Supplied without EVO Component; Includes Inner Tie Rods; In-Line Filter available; Recommended to always install a filter and use OE Fluid for warranty purposes; Flush the system with Hydraulic Power.; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2005 | Lincoln | LS | N/A | Supplied without EVO Component; Includes Inner Tie Rods; In-Line Filter available; Recommended to always install a filter and use OE Fluid for warranty purposes; Flush the system with Hydraulic Power.; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2004 | Ford | Thunderbird | N/A | Supplied without EVO Component; Includes Inner Tie Rods; In-Line Filter available; Recommended to always install a filter and use OE Fluid for warranty purposes; Flush the system with Hydraulic Power.; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2004 | Lincoln | LS | N/A | Supplied without EVO Component; Includes Inner Tie Rods; In-Line Filter available; Recommended to always install a filter and use OE Fluid for warranty purposes; Flush the system with Hydraulic Power.; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2003 | Ford | Thunderbird | N/A | Supplied without EVO Component; From 11/18/2002; 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 |
| 2003 | Lincoln | LS | N/A | Supplied without EVO Component; From 11/18/2002; 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.