I replaced the rack in my 1999 Civic. Although I locked the steering wheel straight while replacing it, I believe the rack may not have been centered before installing. Thus, I may not have equal travel from turning lock left to lock right.
What's the proper method for centering the rack (while on the vehicle) so I get equal turning travel? I noticed the distance from the driver side tie rod end is different from the passenger tie rod end. For example, the driver side might have 10 threads exposed while the passenger side might have 15 threads exposed. It does track fairly straight however,(used the string method to align wheels good enough to drive to alignment shop) although the steering wheel is off center. This would affect my turning radius from right to left correct?

 

Turn the steering wheel all the way one way, then all the way the other way. Count the turns then divide in half, that is the center.

You might need to center the wheel with the union under the pedals..

The realign the wheels from there.