OK to retract antenna mast without power?

[ElMuque13]

It is OK (or even possible) to retract and/or extend the antenna mast without power (the antenna has been removed from its E30), or will that cause damage to the motor or some other mechanism within the antenna?

The masts were a little sticky at the time of removal and it was partially extended. Now I no longer have the E30 and am looking to ship the antenna, and thus need to fully retract the mast. Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated!

[CDBE30]

If you're willing to take the antenna apart, it's really simple to retract it - I'd be hesitant to try and force the antenna down without disassembling it, there are some gears in there that looked relatively fragile when I was cleaning mine this weekend.