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Cardone 97-2606 Rack and Pinion Assembly
Overview of Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 97-2606
The Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 97-2606 is designed for precise steering control in select Lexus and Toyota vehicles. Engineered with durable aluminum casting, this assembly ensures reliable performance for models such as the Toyota Camry, Lexus ES300, ES330, and Solara.
- Constructed from lightweight aluminum casting material
- Includes tie rod ends for complete steering system replacement
- Distance between mounting holes: 19.13 inches (486 mm)
- Input shaft diameter: 0.69 inches (17.4 mm) with 1.26 inches (32 mm) length
- Rack length measures 43.90 inches (1115 mm)
- Pressure port thread size M16 x 1.5 and return port thread size M17 x 1.5
- Black steering rack color with O-ring type hose ports
- Total turns lock to lock: 3.06 for responsive steering
About the Rack and Pinion Assembly Product Line
The Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly product line focuses on delivering complete steering gear replacements that meet or exceed OEM specifications. This line includes assemblies designed for direct fitment, featuring critical components such as tie rod ends and precision-machined input shafts. The 97-2606 part number represents a new condition assembly engineered to restore steering performance and reliability in compatible Lexus and Toyota models.
Detailed Product Description
This rack and pinion assembly is built with an aluminum casting that balances strength and weight reduction, contributing to improved vehicle handling. The assembly features two mounting holes spaced 19.13 inches apart, ensuring secure installation. The input shaft diameter of 0.69 inches and length of 1.26 inches are designed to match factory specifications for smooth steering input transfer. The included tie rod ends simplify installation by providing a ready-to-install steering linkage. Thread sizes for pressure and return ports are M16 x 1.5 and M17 x 1.5 respectively, compatible with standard hydraulic steering systems. The black finish offers corrosion resistance and a clean appearance under the hood.
Common Applications and Problem Resolution
- Restores steering precision in Lexus ES300, ES330, Toyota Camry, and Solara models
- Replaces worn or leaking rack and pinion assemblies causing steering play
- Addresses uneven or difficult steering response
- Eliminates fluid leaks from pressure or return ports
- Corrects excessive steering wheel free play or noise
Installation Notes and Tips
- Verify compatibility with vehicle make, model, and year before installation
- Ensure proper alignment of mounting holes spaced 19.13 inches apart
- Use recommended torque specifications for mounting bolts and fittings
- Inspect and replace power steering fluid after installation
- Check tie rod end connections for secure fit and proper adjustment
Quality Assurance and Warranty
The Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 97-2606 is supplied new and undergoes rigorous quality control to meet OEM standards. The assembly includes an instruction sheet to assist with installation. While specific warranty details are not provided here, Cardone products typically come with a limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Consult product documentation or Cardone directly for warranty terms.
| Brand | Cardone |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 97-2606 |
| Position | Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| Casting Material | Aluminum |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (in) | 19.13 |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (mm) | 486.00 |
| E-Waste | No |
| Hose Port Type | O-Ring/O-Ring |
| Input Shaft Diameter (in) | 0.69 |
| Input Shaft Diameter (mm) | 17.40 |
| Input Shaft Length (in) | 1.26 |
| Input Shaft Length (mm) | 32.00 |
| Number of Mounting Holes | 2 |
| Package Contents | Rack and Pinion, Kit, Instruction Sheet |
| Pressure Port Thread Size | M16 x 1.5 |
| Product Condition | New |
| Rack Length (in) | 43.90 |
| Rack Length (mm) | 1115.00 |
| Return Port Thread Size | M17 x 1.5 |
| Steering Rack Color | Black |
| Thread Length (in) | 2.17 |
| Thread Length (mm) | 55.00 |
| Tie Rod Ends Included | Yes |
| Total Turns Lock to Lock | 3.06 |
This part fits 21 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Submodel | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Toyota | Solara | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
| 2007 | Toyota | Solara | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
| 2006 | Lexus | ES330 | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
| 2006 | Toyota | Camry | XLE | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2006 | Toyota | Camry | SE | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2006 | Toyota | Solara | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
| 2005 | Lexus | ES330 | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
| 2005 | Toyota | Camry | XLE | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2005 | Toyota | Camry | SE | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2005 | Toyota | Solara | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
| 2004 | Lexus | ES330 | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
| 2004 | Toyota | Camry | XLE | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2004 | Toyota | Camry | SE | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2004 | Toyota | Camry | LE | N/A | with 16" Wheels; 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2004 | Toyota | Solara | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
| 2003 | Lexus | ES300 | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
| 2003 | Toyota | Camry | XLE | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2003 | Toyota | Camry | SE | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2002 | Lexus | ES300 | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
| 2002 | Toyota | Camry | XLE | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; with Hydraulic Power; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2002 | Toyota | Camry | SE | N/A | 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 Seal Kit; 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.