Cardone 26-2981 Rack and Pinion Assembly
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Cardone
 Rack and Pinion Assembly

Cardone 26-2981 Rack and Pinion Assembly

Brand Cardone 26-2981
Casting Material Aluminum
Distance Between Mounting Holes (in) 20.38
Distance Between Mounting Holes (mm) 517.53
E-Waste No
Hose Port Type O-Ring
Input Shaft Diameter (in) 0.75
Input Shaft Diameter (mm) 18.95
Input Shaft Length (in) 1.25
Input Shaft Length (mm) 31.75
Number of Mounting Holes 2
Package Contents Rack and Pinion, Sealing Kit, Instruction Sheet
Pressure Port ID Size 0.436
Product Condition Remanufactured
Rack Length (in) 43.31
Rack Length (mm) 1100.15
Return Port ID Size 0.54
Steering Rack Color Black
Thread Length (in) 2.23
Thread Length (mm) 56.64
Tie Rod Ends Included Yes
Total Turns Lock to Lock 2.94
Product line Rack and Pinion Assembly
Fits Audi · 25 vehicles

OE direct replacement. Remanufactured to factory standards for a precise fit and dependable performance.

Aluminum housing. Lightweight construction with a protective coating to resist corrosion and rust.

Factory tested. Each unit is driven under extreme conditions to verify communication and operation.

Cross-references Audi 8J0423810, Audi 8T1422065N and Audi 8T1422065P for the same application. See all 7.

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Remanufactured Steering Rack for Audi A4 and A5

Cardone 26-2981 is a remanufactured electronic power steering rack and pinion assembly built for select Audi applications. It is engineered for direct OE-style fitment and includes new sealing components, specialized lubricant, and a protective finish for long-term service.

Fits 2008-2012 Audi A5 Quattro, N/A; Fits 2009-2012 Audi A4, N/A; Fits 2009-2012 Audi A4 Quattro, N/A; Fits 2010-2012 Audi A5, N/A; Fits 2009-2012 Audi S4, N/A; Fits 2008-2012 Audi S5, N/A.

Key Features

  • Remanufactured CARDONE electronic power steering rack and pinion assembly
  • Aluminum housing with black finish for corrosion resistance
  • New spool valve seals and rack donut seals installed where applicable
  • 100% replacement of rubber sealing components
  • Factory test driven to verify operation under demanding conditions and on-car communications
  • Includes inner tie rods and sealing kit
  • O-ring hose port type
  • 2.94 total turns lock to lock

Product Details

The CARDONE Rack and Pinion Assembly, part number 26-2981, is remanufactured to OE-style standards for Audi steering systems. This unit uses premium replacement components, polished micro-finish sleeves where applicable, and a specialized lubricant to support smooth operation and durability. The rack length measures 43.31 inches, with a 20.38-inch mounting-hole spacing and a 0.75-inch input shaft diameter.

Cardone’s remanufacturing process focuses on restoring the steering gear to a precise vehicle fit while replacing wear items that commonly affect steering feel and fluid control. This part cross-references Audi OE numbers such as 8J0423810 and 8T1422065N for the same application.

Common Steering Issues This Part Can Address

  • Excessive steering play or loose steering response
  • Internal fluid leakage from worn rack seals
  • Steering effort that changes as the system warms up
  • Poor return-to-center behavior after turning
  • Noise or whine caused by air in the hydraulic steering system after service

Installation Notes and Tips

For 2009-2012 Audi A4, 2009-2012 Audi A4 Quattro, 2010-2012 Audi A5, 2008-2012 Audi A5 Quattro, 2009-2012 Audi S4, and 2008-2012 Audi S5 applications, the notes specify that this rack is supplied without the EVO component and includes inner tie rods. An in-line filter is available, and the system should be flushed with hydraulic power fluid during installation. Use OE fluid and install a filter for warranty-related service guidance. After installation, bleed the steering system completely and verify front-end alignment if the wheel does not return to center.

Quality Assurance

Each Cardone 26-2981 rack and pinion assembly is factory test driven to simulate extreme operating conditions and confirm on-car communications. Rubber sealing components are replaced, a specialized lubricant is applied, and the unit is finished with a protective coating to help resist rust and corrosion. Cardone also notes that its remanufacturing process reduces energy and raw material use compared with producing a new part.

Related reading

This part fits 25 vehicles
Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.
YearMakeModelPositionNotes
2012AudiA4N/ASupplied 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
2012AudiA4 QuattroN/ASupplied 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
2012AudiA5N/ASupplied 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
2012AudiA5 QuattroN/ASupplied 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
2012AudiS4N/ASupplied 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
2012AudiS5N/ASupplied 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
2011AudiA4N/ASupplied 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
2011AudiA4 QuattroN/ASupplied 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
2011AudiA5N/ASupplied 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
2011AudiA5 QuattroN/ASupplied 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
2011AudiS4N/ASupplied 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
2011AudiS5N/ASupplied 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
2010AudiA4N/ASupplied 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
2010AudiA4 QuattroN/ASupplied 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
2010AudiA5N/ASupplied 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
2010AudiA5 QuattroN/ASupplied 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
2010AudiS4N/ASupplied 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
2010AudiS5N/ASupplied 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
2009AudiA4N/ASupplied 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
2009AudiA4 QuattroN/ASupplied 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
2009AudiA5 QuattroN/ASupplied 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
2009AudiS4N/ASupplied 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
2009AudiS5N/ASupplied 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
2008AudiA5 QuattroN/ASupplied 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
2008AudiS5N/ASupplied 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
Directly replaces or cross-references 7 part numbers
Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.
Audi — 8J0423810Audi — 8T1422065NAudi — 8T1422065PAudi — 8T1422065PXAudi — 8T1422066AAudi — 8T1422066BAudi — 8T1422066BX