steering hang up

While boating this weekend, I noticed I am developing a slight hang up when I steer left. It is smooth to the right, but it is "catching" at one spot thru the rotation. I pulled the floor up and greased it again. Little bit better, but I can still feel that little bit of catch. It is obviously much worse in the water under power.

This steering cable and such are about 9 years old (600+ hours). Maybe it is just shot, but normally I lube it and it is fine. Any thoughts?

Steering left is pushing the cable out of the sleeve, so as the doctor mentioned, might be time for a new cable.

Mine had a catch in it turning to the right last year. It finally broke. The cable had a spot where it was almost broken completely and it was bunching up on it self between the gears in the helm. When it broke, I had to take the helm apart to get the cable out that goes into the tube. Also, I cleaned all the old grease out because there were 1/2 inch pieces of cable strands every where and a big lump of wire balled up in the grease.

Been a while since I read the response. I remember my steering being much like yours Joel. I hate the thought of haveing to do as much work as Tim did. I should just get a new cable and throw it on.

Has anybody used this steering lubricant that puts a grease zerk looking thing on the rack? I saw it at West Marine and at one other marina in Misourri on vacation. Looks like it oils the cable on the inside. Good looking idea, but don't know if anybody has used it.

Thanks again guys!