Cardone reman steering rack

[MC775]

Hi everyone!

Today I replaced my inner and outer tie rods because I’d noticed a small amount of play in the steering. It wasn’t very noticeable while driving, but I wanted to fix it before it got worse. During installation I realized the play isn’t only in the tie rods — it seems to be coming from the steering rack itself. Normally you can take up some rack play with an adjustment screw, but I don’t think this rack has one… unless I’m missing something. At this point I’m considering replacing the whole steering rack, but most options available are remanufactured. I found a Cardone reman rack (22-289). Has anyone here used Cardone reman steering racks? Any long-term experience/opinions?

They offer a 3-year warranty, but the job is time-consuming, and I really don’t want to do this again in a few months.

 

[whtbronco]

I have not used Cardone parts in years. I have replaced my steering rack twice. Both were a Motorcraft reman. The first lasted 2yrs before it developed as much play as the original. The second is now starting to get a bit. I'm not sure what brand to try, honestly I wasn't impressed with the Motorcraft reman'd racks.

The problem with tightening a worn rack is it's probably only worn at the center so it'll be too tight off center. I'm not sure the Motorcraft rack can be adjusted like a GM style rack can be.

I bought a new, not reman'd, Edelmann steering rack for my daughters Monte Carlo. Never in my life have I been so disappointed. Brand new the steering wheel had 1/2" of play and Edelmann said that was well within their acceptable range. I saw many reports of even more play in their new racks. So I voided the warranty and tightened it up. I also bought Edelmann power steering hoses/lines for it also not impressed. I put Edelmann power steering hoses/lines on my Expedition in 2018 and they rusted in just a couple months. Anyway, I am done with Edelmann.

I have been considering trying BBB Industries for a rack new or reman'd next time. I have no experience with them and I'm not sure what to expect.

Maybe the moral of the story here is they all suck.

Yikes Rock Auto has only 3 options. Cardone and TerrePower(formerly BBB) remans and an Edelmann(New). I would opt for the TerrePower I think. Though it looks like the Edelmann unit might be adjustable, but it's twice the price and adjusting it will void the warranty.

 

[MC775]

Thank you for the comprehensive answer. I’ve had bad experiences with remanufactured steering racks before, that's why I started this topic. In another car, the first reman rack started leaking fluid heavily just a few days after installation, and the second one lasted exactly two years.

At the moment, the only brand-new option I can find is from Edelmann. I’m surprised by your negative opinion of them — I’ve always considered Edelmann a decent company. It’s also not great to hear about issues with their hoses, especially since I already have a set of Edelmann brake hoses waiting to be installed.

Unfortunately, it looks like I don’t have much choice, so I’ll probably end up deciding between Cardone and BBB.

 

[whtbronco]

I was also shocked that my experience with Edelmann has not been better. I really thought they were better. Maybe someone will chime in with another story or better opinion.

Look around maybe you can find a Motorcraft rack somewhere. While my experience with them has not been terrific it might be the best option. I generally do prefer OEM. One thing I have had good luck with is the local Ford dealer finding new old stock for me at other dealers and providing me with their contact info. So that might be an option for locating a Motorcraft rack. They are kind of expensive of course.

A used one with low miles might be an option to consider as well. Not my favorite thought of course. 6L1Z3504AA

2003 Ford Expedition Steering Gear Rack & Pinion OEM 74K Miles - LKQ431917144 | eBay

This will fit the following vehicles... (CLICK HERE).

www.ebay.com

 

[Roland A]

Thank you for the comprehensive answer. I’ve had bad experiences with remanufactured steering racks before, that's why I started this topic. In another car, the first reman rack started leaking fluid heavily just a few days after installation, and the second one lasted exactly two years.

At the moment, the only brand-new option I can find is from Edelmann. I’m surprised by your negative opinion of them — I’ve always considered Edelmann a decent company. It’s also not great to hear about issues with their hoses, especially since I already have a set of Edelmann brake hoses waiting to be installed.

Unfortunately, it looks like I don’t have much choice, so I’ll probably end up deciding between Cardone and BBB.

How much more was a non remanufactured MotorCraft?

 

[MC775]

A brand-new (non-remanufactured) Motorcraft unit is no longer available — it’s been discontinued. I decided to go with the Motorcraft remanufactured part since it has very good reviews. It costs about 70% more than a Cardone or BBB reman, but I don’t want to do this job twice.

 

[acampinoob]

I used the Cardone one from Rockauto with no issues. It's honestly not that involved of a job either. I also have a place that does lifetime alignments, so that's really the way to go in my opinion.