Tight steering

Hello, I am trying to get some help and information. I have a 1994 sport and it was hard to turn the steering wheel at all times. I had a hard time turning the steering wheel at idle and while under way. I disconnected the cable at the steering wheel and the wheel turned fine. I then removed the steering cable from the rudeer to see if the rudder was binding. The rudder turned fine.

I then ordered and replaced the steering cable and when I went to connect it to the rudder I was moving the rudder around and it was making a rattling noise. There was a little movement side to side, but not much. So not thinking much of this, I connected the cable and the steering wheel turned with one finger. I took the boat out and it turned very easy except when about 1/4 turn from lock to lock. It turned easy in between locks. So my question, is there some sort of bushings that can be replaced in the rudder or adjusting the lock nut, as I think the pressure of the water is causing the rudder problems when it fully turned. I think this is what the rattling noise is.
Sorry so long, any help would be helpful.