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Cardone 26-2022E Rack and Pinion Assembly
Reliable Rack and Pinion Assembly for Ford LS and Lincoln Thunderbird
The Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 26-2022E is designed to restore precise steering control for your Ford LS or Lincoln Thunderbird. This remanufactured steering component features durable aluminum casting and includes essential parts for a complete replacement.
Key Features of Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 26-2022E
- Constructed with lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum casting material
- Compatible with Ford LS and Lincoln Thunderbird models
- Includes rack and pinion, sealing kit, and instruction sheet for installation
- Features O-ring type hose ports for secure hydraulic connections
- Input shaft diameter of 0.73 inches (18.52 mm) and length of 1.50 inches (38.10 mm)
- Rack length measures 44.88 inches (1139.83 mm) with 3 mounting holes spaced 11.13 inches (282.58 mm) apart
- Comes with tie rod ends included for a comprehensive steering solution
- Black steering rack finish for corrosion resistance and durability
- Total steering turns lock to lock is 2.75 for responsive handling
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 undergoes thorough testing and includes necessary sealing kits to support a proper installation.
Detailed Product Description
This remanufactured rack and pinion assembly (part number 26-2022E) is built with an aluminum casting that balances strength and weight reduction. The assembly features three mounting holes spaced precisely at 11.13 inches (282.58 mm) to ensure a secure fit. The input shaft diameter and length are designed to match factory specifications, providing smooth steering input transfer. The included tie rod ends simplify the replacement process by providing ready-to-install components. The black finish on the steering rack offers additional protection against environmental wear. Hose ports utilize O-ring seals to maintain hydraulic integrity and prevent leaks.
Common Steering Issues Addressed by This Rack and Pinion Assembly
- Hard steering during initial driving periods, often referred to as "morning sickness"
- Power steering pump whining caused by air in the system or worn components
- Steering not returning to center after turns due to worn or faulty rack and pinion
- Loose or imprecise steering feel resulting from damaged steering gear
- Hydraulic leaks or pressure loss in the steering system
Installation Notes and Tips
When installing the Cardone 26-2022E rack and pinion assembly, ensure all hydraulic connections use the O-ring type hose ports for proper sealing. Verify the mounting hole spacing matches your vehicle’s frame to avoid fitment issues. Bleed the power steering system thoroughly after installation to remove air and prevent pump noise or steering stiffness. Follow the included instruction sheet carefully to maintain alignment and torque specifications. This assembly includes tie rod ends, so alignment should be checked and adjusted post-installation.
Quality Assurance and Warranty Information
This remanufactured rack and pinion assembly undergoes comprehensive testing to meet OEM standards for fit, form, and function. Cardone provides a limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, ensuring dependable performance for your Ford LS or Lincoln Thunderbird. The inclusion of a sealing kit supports leak-free operation and long-term durability.
| Brand | Cardone |
| Part Number | 26-2022E |
| Position | Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| Casting Material | Aluminum |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (in) | 11.13 |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (mm) | 282.58 |
| E-Waste | Yes |
| 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 | 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, 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 with Electronic Variable Orifice (EVO) Component; 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 | Thunderbird | N/A | Supplied with Electronic Variable Orifice (EVO) Component; 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 | Lincoln | LS | N/A | Supplied with Electronic Variable Orifice (EVO) Component; 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 | Thunderbird | N/A | Supplied with Electronic Variable Orifice (EVO) Component; 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 | Lincoln | LS | N/A | Supplied with Electronic Variable Orifice (EVO) Component; 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 | Ford | Thunderbird | N/A | Supplied with Electronic Variable Orifice (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 with Electronic Variable Orifice (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.