I don't know if other systems are the same, but in the VW/VAG rack on my car there are one-way valves at either end of the rack. Without the pump in operation the steering action itself simply circulates the fluid round the system. The fluid is very runny. I haven't noticed it being much harder to turn than an ordinary non-pas system. No leaks. All I did was to remove the belt, if anything the steering feels more stable at speed.
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