well, PS pump is out again. may be defective part. is there any non-power steering rack and pinion out there? i know its more expensive but im curious.

 

not that I know but if there was one I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

 

Not sure if this will work on a Protege, but the first gen RX-7 site I frequent talks about removing the power steering pump, then connecting the inlet/outlet sides of the steering rack to each other using a jumper hose. I don't have power steering on my RX-7 so can't vouch for it, but quite a few people have done it so it must work.

 

thats not how it works...just removing the pump means you lose your power assist. My FC has a rack and pinion steering rack so it's designed to be easy to turn without the hydraulic pump. All those other people are doing are driving on a heavy rack with fluid sealed inside to lubricate, not power assist it.