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Cardone 26-2903 Rack and Pinion Assembly
Overview of Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 26-2903
The Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 26-2903 is a remanufactured steering component designed for precise control and reliable performance. Engineered for Audi A4, A4 Quattro, and Volkswagen Passat models, this assembly ensures consistent steering response and durability.
- Remanufactured rack and pinion assembly with included tie rod ends
- Constructed from lightweight aluminum casting material
- Compatible with Audi A4, A4 Quattro, and Volkswagen Passat
- Includes evo kit and instruction sheet for installation
- Black steering rack color with banjo/washer hose port type
- Input shaft diameter of 0.75 inches and length of 1.31 inches
- Three mounting holes spaced 20.13 inches apart
- Pressure port thread size M14 x 1.5 and return port thread size M16 x 1.5
- Total turns lock to lock: 2.69
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 solution for restoring steering performance in compatible vehicles. The assemblies are designed to maintain proper steering geometry and include necessary hardware such as tie rod ends to facilitate installation.
Detailed Product Description
This rack and pinion assembly features an aluminum casting for reduced weight without compromising strength. The rack length measures 40.25 inches, with mounting holes spaced 20.13 inches apart to ensure proper fitment. The input shaft diameter is 0.75 inches with a length of 1.31 inches, designed to match the steering column interface on Audi A4, A4 Quattro, and Volkswagen Passat models. The assembly includes a banjo/washer type hose port and threaded pressure and return ports sized M14 x 1.5 and M16 x 1.5 respectively. The total steering turns lock to lock is 2.69, providing responsive steering feel. The black finish protects against corrosion and wear.
Common Steering Issues Addressed
- Hard steering during initial driving periods (morning stiffness)
- Power steering pump whining after rack replacement
- Steering not returning to center after turns
- Air trapped in power steering system causing noise
- Worn or damaged rack and pinion causing steering play
Installation Notes and Tips
- Ensure compatibility with Audi A4, A4 Quattro, or Volkswagen Passat before installation
- Follow included instruction sheet carefully for proper assembly and torque specifications
- Bleed the power steering system thoroughly to remove air and prevent pump noise
- Check alignment after installation to maintain proper steering geometry
- Inspect tie rod ends included in the package for secure fitment
Quality Assurance and Warranty
This Cardone remanufactured rack and pinion assembly undergoes rigorous testing to meet OEM standards for fit, form, and function. The product is backed by Cardone's quality assurance processes to ensure reliable steering performance. Warranty details are provided by Cardone and should be reviewed prior to installation.
| Brand | Cardone |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 26-2903 |
| Position | Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| Casting Material | Aluminum |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (in) | 20.13 |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (mm) | 511.18 |
| E-Waste | No |
| Hose Port Type | Banjo/Washer |
| Input Shaft Diameter (in) | 0.75 |
| Input Shaft Diameter (mm) | 18.95 |
| Input Shaft Length (in) | 1.31 |
| Input Shaft Length (mm) | 33.35 |
| Number of Mounting Holes | 3 |
| Package Contents | Rack and Pinion, EVO Kit, Instuction Sheet |
| Pressure Port Thread Size | M14 x 1.5 |
| Product Condition | Remanufactured |
| Rack Length (in) | 40.25 |
| Rack Length (mm) | 1022.35 |
| Return Port Thread Size | M16 x 1.5 |
| Steering Rack Color | Black |
| Thread Length (in) | 2.03 |
| Thread Length (mm) | 51.44 |
| Tie Rod Ends Included | Yes |
| Total Turns Lock to Lock | 2.69 |
This part fits 12 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Liters | Cylinders | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Volkswagen | Passat | 2.8L | V6 | N/A | To Chassis # 3B-XE498355; 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 |
| 1999 | Audi | A4 | 2.8L | V6 | 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 | Audi | A4 Quattro | 2.8L | V6 | N/A | To Chassis # 8D-X-199999; 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 |
| 1999 | Volkswagen | Passat | 2.8L | V6 | 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 |
| 1998 | Audi | A4 | 1.8L | L4 | N/A | with ZF Gear; To Chassis # 8D-W-007 799; 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 |
| 1998 | Audi | A4 | 2.8L | V6 | 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 |
| 1998 | Audi | A4 Quattro | 2.8L | V6 | 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 |
| 1998 | Volkswagen | Passat | 2.8L | V6 | N/A | with ZF Gear; 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 |
| 1997 | Audi | A4 | N/A | with ZF Gear; 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 | ||
| 1997 | Audi | A4 Quattro | N/A | with ZF Gear; 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 | ||
| 1996 | Audi | A4 | N/A | with ZF Gear; 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 | ||
| 1996 | Audi | A4 Quattro | N/A | with ZF Gear; 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.