hmmm
good question.
hate taking a chance on hurting a new unit.
'normally' when one goes out, it's had fluid in it for years, the clearances
are all worn large etc...
so not much risk there.
there are lots of shot ones running around with no fluid going to them, for
years on end.

I bet if you asked the rebuilder they would not like the idea.
the only other thing that pops to mind is run fluid into it for a while (
after flushing the hell out of the whole rest of the system )
then drive it with no fluid under pressure to it.

I wonder why you don't just hook it up, I'm sure there is a good reason.
My vote is ....doesn't sound like that good an idea.

hey, I need a good used PS rack , got one ?
Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael Snow" <slowmachine82@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, June 09, 2010 1:18 PM
Subject: power steering rack without hydraulic fluid?

> Also posted on Samba
>
> I am preparing for a 3000 mile drive from San Diego to New Hampshire.
> I am installing a rebuilt power steering rack today.  Will the rack be
> damaged if I drive without hydraulic fluid?  Obviously, the belt for
> the power steering pump is removed.  I am trying to figure out if I
> can drive with the plastic shipping plugs installed in the hydraulic
> line ports on the rack unit without causing damage.  I know from past
> experience that any hydraulic fluid already in the unit will gush from
> the ports if the steering is worked left and right.  What if there is
> no fluid at all?
>
> --
> Michael Snow
> 1987 Syncro TiiCo
> 1982 Westfalia 1.9TD
> http://slowmachine82.blogspot.com/