I think any one who uses there boat in salt water will have this problem. I have replaced 4 tellflex systems in the last 6 years, the key is when you replace it greese the shaft well and every componet , make sure your greese fittings are clear and suply greese , if not replace them and lube every 20 hrs . also shoot some silicone lube into your steering box every 20 hrs. this will give some longer life to the system and save you some time & $$$$$$