Highflyer,
Many people get nervous when it comes to steering items...If it were mine, I wouldn't hesitate to straighten it. The tie rod is very tough and can take a ticken and keep on , whatever! Do it cold..use a vise, a barn door or whatever. Don't kink it or make a pretzel out of it and you will be fine. Don't forget to set the toe-in again.
Stuart.
