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Cardone 97-292 Rack and Pinion Assembly
Overview of Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 97-292
The Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 97-292 is designed for precise steering control in Ford and Mercury vehicles, including the Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac, and Mountaineer 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 50.39 inches (1280 mm) for accurate fitment
- Includes tie rod ends for comprehensive installation
- Input shaft diameter of 0.72 inches (18.40 mm) and length of 1.48 inches (37.50 mm)
- Two mounting holes spaced 15.26 inches (387.50 mm) apart
- Black steering rack color with O-ring type hose ports
- Total turns lock to lock: 3.7 for responsive steering
Details on the Rack and Pinion Assembly Product Line
The Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly product line focuses on delivering reliable steering components engineered to meet OEM specifications. This assembly, part number 97-292, is built with precision aluminum casting and designed to provide consistent performance and fitment for select Ford and Mercury models. The inclusion of tie rod ends and detailed port sizing ensures compatibility with existing steering systems.
Product Description and Specifications
This rack and pinion assembly features a robust aluminum casting that balances strength and weight. The rack length measures 50.39 inches (1280 mm), with two mounting holes spaced 15.26 inches (387.50 mm) apart, ensuring proper alignment during installation. The input shaft diameter is 0.72 inches (18.40 mm) with a length of 1.48 inches (37.50 mm), designed to match the steering column interface. Hose ports utilize O-ring seals for secure hydraulic connections, with pressure and return port ID sizes of 11.12 mm and 9.95 mm respectively. The assembly is finished in black and includes tie rod ends, providing a ready-to-install steering solution for compatible vehicles.
Common Applications and Problem Resolution
- Restores precise steering response in Ford Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac, and Mercury Mountaineer
- Replaces worn or leaking rack and pinion assemblies causing steering play or fluid leaks
- Addresses uneven or difficult steering effort due to damaged internal components
- Eliminates noise or vibration from faulty steering gear
- Improves vehicle handling and safety by restoring proper steering geometry
Installation Notes and Tips
- Verify compatibility with your specific Ford or Mercury model before installation
- Ensure mounting holes align with chassis points spaced 15.26 inches apart
- Check input shaft dimensions to confirm fit with steering column
- Use included tie rod ends and follow the instruction sheet for proper assembly
- Bleed the power steering system after installation to remove air and ensure smooth operation
Quality Assurance and Warranty
This Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 97-292 is a new, high-quality replacement part manufactured to meet or exceed OEM standards. The assembly undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure durability and performance. While specific warranty details are not provided here, Cardone products typically include a limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Consult product documentation or Cardone directly for warranty terms.
| Brand | Cardone |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 97-292 |
| Position | Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| Casting Material | Aluminum |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (in) | 15.26 |
| Distance Between Mounting Holes (mm) | 387.50 |
| E-Waste | No |
| Hose Port Type | O-Ring/O-Ring |
| Input Shaft Diameter (in) | 0.72 |
| Input Shaft Diameter (mm) | 18.40 |
| Input Shaft Length (in) | 1.48 |
| Input Shaft Length (mm) | 37.50 |
| Number of Mounting Holes | 2 |
| Package Contents | Rack and Pinion, Kit, Tag, Insert, Instruction Sheet |
| Pressure Port ID Size | 11.12 |
| Product Condition | New |
| Rack Length (in) | 50.39 |
| Rack Length (mm) | 1280.00 |
| Return Port ID Size | 9.95 |
| Steering Rack Color | Black |
| Thread Length (in) | 2.91 |
| Thread Length (mm) | 74.00 |
| Tie Rod Ends Included | Yes |
| Total Turns Lock to Lock | 3.7 |
This part fits 14 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Ford | Explorer | N/A | Inner tie rods included; in-line filter recommended for warranty maintenance, OE fluid and system flushing for hydraulic power.; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2010 | Ford | Explorer Sport Trac | N/A | Inner tie rods included; in-line filter recommended for warranty maintenance, OE fluid and system flushing for hydraulic power.; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2010 | Mercury | Mountaineer | N/A | Inner tie rods included; in-line filter recommended for warranty maintenance, OE fluid and system flushing for hydraulic power.; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2009 | Ford | Explorer | N/A | Inner tie rods included; in-line filter recommended for warranty maintenance, OE fluid and system flushing for hydraulic power.; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2009 | Ford | Explorer Sport Trac | N/A | Inner tie rods included; in-line filter recommended for warranty maintenance, OE fluid and system flushing for hydraulic power.; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2009 | Mercury | Mountaineer | N/A | Inner tie rods included; in-line filter recommended for warranty maintenance, OE fluid and system flushing for hydraulic power.; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2008 | Ford | Explorer | N/A | Inner tie rods included; in-line filter recommended for warranty maintenance, OE fluid and system flushing for hydraulic power.; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2008 | Ford | Explorer Sport Trac | N/A | Inner tie rods included; in-line filter recommended for warranty maintenance, OE fluid and system flushing for hydraulic power.; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2008 | Mercury | Mountaineer | N/A | Inner tie rods included; in-line filter recommended for warranty maintenance, OE fluid and system flushing for hydraulic power.; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2007 | Ford | Explorer | N/A | Inner tie rods included; in-line filter recommended for warranty maintenance, OE fluid and system flushing for hydraulic power.; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2007 | Ford | Explorer Sport Trac | N/A | Inner tie rods included; in-line filter recommended for warranty maintenance, OE fluid and system flushing for hydraulic power.; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2007 | Mercury | Mountaineer | N/A | Inner tie rods included; in-line filter recommended for warranty maintenance, OE fluid and system flushing for hydraulic power.; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2006 | Ford | Explorer | N/A | Inner tie rods included; in-line filter recommended for warranty maintenance, OE fluid and system flushing for hydraulic power.; Rack and Pinion Assembly |
| 2006 | Mercury | Mountaineer | N/A | Inner tie rods included; in-line filter recommended for warranty maintenance, OE fluid and system flushing for 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.