when i undertook the challenge of replacing my steering rack, i didn't take any of the preparations i should have. now i am dealing with it :( i know how to adjust the tie rod ends for fine tuning the toe-in, but what i am not sure of is how to center the rack itself.

currently the wheels are basically straight ahead (good enough to drive to the alignment shop) but one tie rod end is screwed on almost 3/4" more than the other. i noticed in bentley the difference was supposed to be 2mm or less. so if i equalize this distance on both sides, then one wheel will be straight (the side i don't adjust the tie rod on) and the other will be skewed.

what i was thinking of doing was making sure each tie rod end is equally screwed onto the inner tie rod, perhaps by counting threads or measuring to the flat spot, and then adjusting the steering wheel until it looks like the toe-in for each wheel is the same, understanding they will both be wrong. is the rack centered at this point? then from here, adjusting toe-in symmetrically via tie rod adjustments. will this work or is there an easier way? i'd really like to avoid removing the tie rod ends from the steering arm if possible.

eventually i am going to take this to a shop for the final alignment but i don't know if alignment shops will go through the trouble to center the rack itself or if they just tweak the tie rod ends to the proper toe in. if they don't center the rack, then i wont have equal range of motion on both sides.

thanks!