Hard Steering

[Exeasterner]

My 1992 Sea Ray 350 EB has very hard steering. I repacked rudder shafts with no appreciable improvement. When I disconnect steering cable at rudder tie bar the steering wheel moves freely. I don't see any fittings to grease rudder shaft internals. Could it be a bad rudder shaft bearing (not sure what type of bearing is in there) or a bent rudder shaft? Would I be biting off too much to remove rudders and shafts to clean up and lube? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[compdr59]

The marina finally had a chance to look at this. They are going to pull the rudders, clean everything, grease everything and replace the packing. This is not common, but I need to be able to steer.