All traditional American Skiers use rotary steering systems, the older ones Teleflex Big T systems, these can be identified by looking under the dash, a rotary has the cable entering the same side as the exit cable as it winds around a drum 180degrees. A rack system is a straight line where the cable enters, meshes with the steering gear then continues out the other side, does not wrap around a drum.
I always start at the tiller arm on top of the rudder. Disconnect the steering cable from the tiller arm, now rotate the arm/rudder, they should rotate freely without bind (until you smack the prop).
If the rudder swings freely without alot of slop up & down, or side to side that part is good, just grease it if it has a fitting.
If the rudder is stiff, or binds the rudder post is bent & need replacement, if continued to use in this condition the rudder post can wear the rudder port into an oval shape, now replace both.
Next turn the steering wheel back & forth while disconnected, if the rudder was free, now just the steering wheel still feels stiff, the steering cable needs to be changed.
I recommend changing the steering cable every 10 years or 500 hours, they are not servicible.
When the cable is out, spin the wheel, if you still have a bind the steering helm is shot, I have only seen this on boats that have been submerged.
