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Cardone 26-2046 Rack and Pinion Assembly
Overview of Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 26-2046
The Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 26-2046 is a remanufactured steering component designed for select Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. Engineered with an aluminum casting, this assembly provides reliable steering performance for models such as the Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, Mercury Milan, and Zephyr.
- Remanufactured rack and pinion assembly with aluminum casting
- Compatible with Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, Mercury Milan, and Zephyr
- Includes tie rod ends and instruction sheet for installation
- Input shaft diameter: 0.73 inches (18.64 mm), length: 2.06 inches (52.40 mm)
- Distance between mounting holes: 16.13 inches (409.58 mm) with 3 mounting holes
- Pressure port thread size: M14 x 1.5; return port thread size: M16 x 1.5
- Black steering rack color with O-ring hose port type
- Total turns lock to lock: 2.5
About the Cardone 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 is designed to restore steering precision and reliability while using quality materials such as aluminum for durability and weight reduction. The assemblies come complete with necessary hardware including tie rod ends, ensuring a comprehensive replacement solution for compatible vehicles.
Detailed Product Description
This remanufactured rack and pinion assembly features a robust aluminum casting that balances strength and weight. The assembly measures 44.31 inches (1125.55 mm) in rack length and includes three mounting holes spaced 16.13 inches (409.58 mm) apart for secure installation. The input shaft diameter is 0.73 inches (18.64 mm) with a length of 2.06 inches (52.40 mm), designed to fit the steering column interface precisely. The unit uses O-ring type hose ports and has pressure and return port thread sizes of M14 x 1.5 and M16 x 1.5 respectively. The black finish provides corrosion resistance and a clean appearance under the hood. Total steering turns lock to lock is 2.5, offering responsive steering control.
Common Applications and Issues Addressed
- Restores steering responsiveness in Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, Mercury Milan, and Zephyr models
- Eliminates hard steering during initial driving periods (commonly known as "morning sickness")
- Resolves steering not returning to center after turns
- Addresses power steering pump whining caused by air in the system
- Replaces worn or damaged rack and pinion assemblies to improve vehicle handling
Installation Notes and Tips
- Ensure proper alignment of mounting holes spaced 16.13 inches apart for secure fitment
- Check input shaft dimensions (0.73 inch diameter, 2.06 inch length) for compatibility with steering column
- Use included tie rod ends and follow the instruction sheet for correct assembly
- Bleed the power steering system thoroughly to avoid pump noise and ensure smooth operation
- Verify hose port connections with O-ring seals to prevent leaks
Quality Assurance and Warranty
This Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 26-2046 is remanufactured to meet or exceed OEM standards, ensuring reliable performance and durability. The product undergoes rigorous testing to confirm proper function and fitment for compatible Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. Warranty details are provided by Cardone and typically cover defects in materials and workmanship, offering peace of mind with your steering system replacement.
| Brand | Cardone |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 26-2046 |
| Position | Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| Casting Material | Aluminum |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (in) | 16.13 |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (mm) | 409.58 |
| E-Waste | No |
| Hose Port Type | O-Ring |
| Input Shaft Diameter (in) | 0.73 |
| Input Shaft Diameter (mm) | 18.64 |
| Input Shaft Length (in) | 2.06 |
| Input Shaft Length (mm) | 52.40 |
| Number of Mounting Holes | 3 |
| Package Contents | Rack and Pinion, Instruction Sheet |
| Pressure Port Thread Size | M14 x 1.5 |
| Product Condition | Remanufactured |
| Rack Length (in) | 44.31 |
| Rack Length (mm) | 1125.55 |
| Return Port Thread Size | M16 x 1.5 |
| Steering Rack Color | Black |
| Thread Length (in) | 2.07 |
| Thread Length (mm) | 52.65 |
| Tie Rod Ends Included | Yes |
| Total Turns Lock to Lock | 2.5 |
This part fits 12 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Ford | Fusion | N/A | with 17" 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 |
| 2009 | Lincoln | MKZ | 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 |
| 2009 | Mercury | Milan | N/A | with 17" 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 |
| 2008 | Ford | Fusion | N/A | with 17" 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 |
| 2008 | Lincoln | MKZ | 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 |
| 2008 | Mercury | Milan | N/A | with 17" 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 |
| 2007 | Ford | Fusion | N/A | with 17" 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 |
| 2007 | Lincoln | MKZ | 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 |
| 2007 | Mercury | Milan | N/A | with 17" 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 | Ford | Fusion | N/A | with 17" 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 | Lincoln | Zephyr | N/A | with 17" 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 | Milan | N/A | with 17" 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 |
* 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.