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Cardone 26-3012 Rack and Pinion Assembly
Remanufactured Steering Rack for Altima
Restore precise steering response with this remanufactured Cardone rack and pinion assembly, part number 26-3012. Built for 1998-2001 Nissan Altima applications, it is rebuilt with new premium components and tested to verify on-car communication and operating performance.
Key Features
- Remanufactured Original Equipment-style fit for 1998-2001 Nissan Altima
- Electronic power steering rack and pinion assembly with tie rod ends included
- New spool valve seals and rack donut seals installed where applicable
- 100% replacement of rubber sealing components
- Specialized lubricant applied for extended service life
- Factory test drive performed under simulated extreme operating conditions
- Protective coating helps resist corrosion and rust
- Black steering rack with steel and aluminum casting materials
Product Details
Cardone 26-3012 is a remanufactured rack and pinion assembly for the Nissan Altima, engineered to match OE fit and steering geometry. The unit uses O-ring hose ports, M14 x 1.5 pressure port threads, M16 x 1.5 return port threads, and a 2.81 total turns lock to lock specification. The rack length measures 46.81 in, with an 18.72 mm input shaft diameter and 27.00 mm input shaft length. This Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly is built to support consistent steering feel while replacing worn internal sealing components that can contribute to leaks, noise, or uneven assist.
This part cross-references Nissan 485212B026 and 490010Z800 for the same application.
Common Steering Issues This Part Can Address
- Steering effort that is hard during the first few minutes of driving
- Internal fluid bypass caused by worn spool valve seals
- Power steering fluid leaks from aging rack seals
- Steering that does not return to center after a turn
- Noise or whine after rack replacement when the system contains air
Installation Notes and Tips
Fits 1998-2001 Nissan Altima, N/A. Install an in-line filter and use OE fluid. Flush the hydraulic power steering system when installing the rack and pinion assembly with inner tie rods for warranty validation. Bleed the steering system completely after installation to remove trapped air and reduce pump whine. If the vehicle does not return to center, check front-end alignment and inspect the return line for restriction or kinks.
Quality Assurance
Each Cardone electronic power steering rack and pinion undergoes a factory test drive to confirm operation under demanding conditions and verify on-car communications. The remanufacturing process replaces rubber sealing components and uses new premium parts to support durability and reliable steering performance.
| Brand | Cardone |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 26-3012 |
| Position | Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| Casting Material | Steel; Aluminum |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (in) | 0.00 |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (mm) | 0.00 |
| E-Waste | No |
| Hose Port Type | O-Ring |
| Input Shaft Diameter (in) | 0.74 |
| Input Shaft Diameter (mm) | 18.72 |
| Input Shaft Length (in) | 1.06 |
| Input Shaft Length (mm) | 27.00 |
| Number of Mounting Holes | 1 |
| Package Contents | Rack and Pinion, Sealing Kit, Instruction Sheet |
| Pressure Port Thread Size | M14 x 1.5 |
| Product Condition | Remanufactured |
| Rack Length (in) | 46.81 |
| Rack Length (mm) | 1189.05 |
| Return Port Thread Size | M16 x 1.5 |
| Steering Rack Color | Black |
| Thread Length (in) | 2.19 |
| Thread Length (mm) | 55.70 |
| Tie Rod Ends Included | Yes |
| Total Turns Lock to Lock | 2.81 |
This part fits 4 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Nissan | Altima | 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 |
| 2000 | Nissan | Altima | 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 | Nissan | Altima | 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 | Nissan | Altima | 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 |
* 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.