James
It is a popular myth that you can "knock your tracking out".
The only way of altering it is either by adjusting something ie track rod ends or suspension or by bending something.
I have not removed the rack on my 7 but it appears as if it located by the alloy mounts. Maybe it has slipped on these?
If you remove the mounting blocks you should be able to see if there has been some movement.
This would be the most likely cause of the column being closer to the engine.
If the engine has grounded out it may be worth looking at the mounts. If it has moved I would imagine it would be obvious by the exhaust-body clearance,g.box-tunnel area gearstick etc
It may be worth checking the rack feels smooth ie no tight spots when you turn it with the wheels off the floor and that it has no play in it or the track rod ends.
Good luck James