Yrs ago i had one seize on me just after launching.
Never again
Now I give everything a grease, and/ or spray with a marine crc type product after ever trip pout.. at least a couple days within being out...
The steering non hydrolic I have removed the end cap...put a cupole "O rings under to further water proof....I pull these back, full lock/extend the motor to expose the shaft, and note id any water...none since the O rings installed....re pack and replace the end cap.
Hinges, wheel nuts, roller all get a good spray of marine crc.
Once a yr I disconnect from the motor and back of the steering wheel and re pack.
re packing is not easy...yeah u tube has stuff like hang up and turn with a drill.....
Dont know how well this works, but I do my best to blow as much grease as I can down the cable with the compressor ... thinking next time its off thu to drill and tap and put a couple stainless nipples in.
If its jambed it will be one of 2 things
1/ salt buildup in the engine end .....remove from engine.. tilt up ansd ever few hrs give a spray of non lanlion crc type product.. few pulls and shakes.. even re atach after a while, and not loading the steering wheel to much a little pressure back and forth....If this is the problem it wil break loose.. dismantle from the engine end and clean out the compressed salt.. u may even find u get a bit more turn.
2/ the jamb is in the cable, or area of the cable behind the steering wheel... If so dont even bother repair or fix.. replace, they are about $130 to 160 retail.
Before removing center the wheel and the engine then measure from the clamp that holds the cable at the engine end up under the stern... to the bolt at the engine
Reset the same when reinstalling.. if u dont it can be a bit 'fiddly' getting equal lock either way on the engine....in saying that.. do not assume the last install was correct.. a slight, adjustment of the notch placement on the under stern bracket/ cable mounting could improve the lock...
I know this because I assumed mine may not be correct and messed around a little... 'correct' was about 1/2 way between 2 adjustment knotches and ended up where originally installed
A friends wasnt, and now can move his stern around far easier when manoeuvring.
Measure the therical length u need and the length of the current one...then get the correct length required or as close as possible... a little to short/ tight or too long and bent means early failure
Its not difficult do, assuming u have basic tools....Spanners etc.
Oh when greasing .. do not use that pale blue elcheapo marine grease..
this could be a cause of problems..... it goes like clay over a suprisingly short time.. as I discoverd the hard way .. no pun intended
Use a reputable brand name.. I use evenrude blue triple guard for stuff around the motor bolts and stuff and the red triple gaurd for wheel bearings
I only use evenrude because have a johnson motor.. and it is my understanding merc, yamaha suzi etc also produce just as reputable products.