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Cardone 97-200 Rack and Pinion Assembly
Overview of Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 97-200
The Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 97-200 is designed for precise steering control in Ford and Mercury vehicles, specifically the Bobcat and Pinto models. This new assembly features durable aluminum casting and includes tie rod ends for a complete steering solution.
- Aluminum casting material for lightweight durability
- Rack length of 45.12 inches (1146 mm) for accurate fitment
- Input shaft diameter of 0.73 inches (18.5 mm) and length of 31 inches (787.4 mm)
- Two mounting holes spaced 16.01 inches (406.7 mm) apart
- Includes tie rod ends and installation kit
- Pressure port thread size 1/2" - 20 and return port thread size 5/8" - 18
- Black steering rack color with 2.9 total turns lock to lock
About the Rack and Pinion Assembly Product Line
The Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly product line offers complete steering gear replacements engineered to meet or exceed OEM specifications. This line focuses on delivering assemblies that include all necessary components such as tie rod ends and installation instructions, ensuring a straightforward replacement process. The 97-200 part number is part of this line, providing a reliable steering solution for select Ford and Mercury vehicles.
Detailed Product Description
This rack and pinion assembly is constructed with an aluminum casting, providing a balance of strength and reduced weight. The rack length measures 45.12 inches (1146 mm), and the input shaft diameter is 0.73 inches (18.5 mm) with a length of 31 inches (787.4 mm), designed to match the steering system specifications of Ford Bobcat and Mercury Pinto models. The assembly includes two mounting holes spaced 16.01 inches (406.7 mm) apart, ensuring proper fitment and secure installation. The hose ports utilize O-ring and seat types for reliable sealing, with pressure and return port thread sizes of 1/2" - 20 and 5/8" - 18 respectively. The black finish on the steering rack provides corrosion resistance and a professional appearance. This assembly also features 2.9 total turns lock to lock, contributing to responsive steering performance.
Common Applications and Problem Solving
- Restores precise steering control in Ford Bobcat and Mercury Pinto vehicles
- Replaces worn or damaged rack and pinion assemblies causing steering play
- Eliminates leaks from faulty hose ports or seals
- Addresses uneven or difficult steering response
- Resolves noise or binding in the steering system
Installation Notes and Tips
- Ensure compatibility with Ford Bobcat and Mercury Pinto models before installation
- Use the included instruction sheet for step-by-step guidance
- Check mounting hole alignment and torque specifications during installation
- Inspect tie rod ends and replace if necessary to maintain steering integrity
- Bleed the power steering system after installation to remove air
Quality Assurance and Warranty
This Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 97-200 is a new product built to meet OEM standards. It includes all necessary components for installation and is designed to provide reliable steering performance. While specific warranty details are not provided, Cardone products typically come with a limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
| Brand | Cardone |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 97-200 |
| Position | Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| Casting Material | Aluminum |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (in) | 16.01 |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (mm) | 406.70 |
| E-Waste | No |
| Hose Port Type | O-Ring/O-Ring, Seat/Seat |
| Input Shaft Diameter (in) | 0.73 |
| Input Shaft Diameter (mm) | 18.50 |
| Input Shaft Length (in) | 31.00 |
| Input Shaft Length (mm) | 787.40 |
| Number of Mounting Holes | 2 |
| Package Contents | Rack and Pinion, Kit, Tag, Insert, Instruction Sheet |
| Pressure Port Thread Size | 1/2" - 20 |
| Product Condition | New |
| Rack Length (in) | 45.12 |
| Rack Length (mm) | 1146.00 |
| Return Port Thread Size | 5/8"-18 |
| Steering Rack Color | Black |
| Thread Length (in) | 4.02 |
| Thread Length (mm) | 102.00 |
| Tie Rod Ends Included | Yes |
| Total Turns Lock to Lock | 2.9 |
This part fits 13 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Ford | Pinto | N/A | with 1-1/4" Input Shaft; Rack & Pinion units with 2 or 3 Mounting Holes are interchangeable.; 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 |
| 1980 | Mercury | Bobcat | N/A | with 1-1/4" Input Shaft; Rack & Pinion units with 2 or 3 Mounting Holes are interchangeable.; 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 |
| 1979 | Ford | Pinto | N/A | with 1-1/4" Input Shaft; Rack & Pinion units with 2 or 3 Mounting Holes are interchangeable.; 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 |
| 1979 | Mercury | Bobcat | N/A | with 1-1/4" Input Shaft; Rack & Pinion units with 2 or 3 Mounting Holes are interchangeable.; 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 |
| 1978 | Ford | Pinto | N/A | with 1-1/4" Input Shaft; Rack & Pinion units with 2 or 3 Mounting Holes are interchangeable.; 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 |
| 1978 | Mercury | Bobcat | N/A | with 1-1/4" Input Shaft; Rack & Pinion units with 2 or 3 Mounting Holes are interchangeable.; 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 |
| 1977 | Ford | Pinto | N/A | with 1-1/4" Input Shaft; Rack & Pinion units with 2 or 3 Mounting Holes are interchangeable.; 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 |
| 1977 | Mercury | Bobcat | N/A | with 1-1/4" Input Shaft; Rack & Pinion units with 2 or 3 Mounting Holes are interchangeable.; 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 |
| 1976 | Ford | Pinto | N/A | with 1-1/4" Input Shaft; Rack & Pinion units with 2 or 3 Mounting Holes are interchangeable.; 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 |
| 1976 | Mercury | Bobcat | N/A | with 1-1/4" Input Shaft; Rack & Pinion units with 2 or 3 Mounting Holes are interchangeable.; 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 |
| 1975 | Ford | Pinto | N/A | with 1-1/4" Input Shaft; Rack & Pinion units with 2 or 3 Mounting Holes are interchangeable.; 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 |
| 1975 | Mercury | Bobcat | N/A | with 1-1/4" Input Shaft; Rack & Pinion units with 2 or 3 Mounting Holes are interchangeable.; 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 |
| 1974 | Ford | Pinto | N/A | with 1-1/4" Input Shaft; Rack & Pinion units with 2 or 3 Mounting Holes are interchangeable.; 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.