Re: hard steering
It should be replaced BUT you can get some lube in it and maybe get some more time out of it but you almost have to remove it from the boat.
Susupend one end from a rafter in your garage, take a heavy plastic bag and poke a hole in the corner , stick the cable end through that and get a light oil in the bag and let it sit overnight, gravity will make the oil run throught the cable.
After you are done with that start saving your pennies for a new one and I would reccomend a Telelfex NFB rotary, they are great.