Steering Stiff only near center

[pegs11]

I have a 1990 Lund Pro V with a side console and a 120 hp Evinrude.

I've had it for a year and the steering has been this way since I bought it.
It is VERY stiff about 10 degrees left and right of center. It takes two hands to turn the wheel. And its a real wrestling match landing and loading.

Once it goes past the 10 degrees its is smooth and easy to turn in both directions.

It makes no difference where the motor is, loads, speed, or temperature. There is no grinding, no "catch", no noise. I've lubed everything visible at the motor end of the cable and tried to work lubricant up the teleflex and none of that has made any difference.

Anyone have any ideas what to look for next or possible component repairs?

Thanks

 

[Fed]

Disconnect the cable at the motor tiller arm then try moving the motor and the steering wheel by hand to see if the problem is in the motor or in the cable or helm.
You should be able to move the motor with one finger even when it's connected unless you have no feed back steering.

 

[pegs11]

Thats a good idea. I'll check that and get back to you