Unfortunately, there is no real way to say what the problem is. It might be frozen grease, it might be rust, it might be damage. You might be able to free it up by tapping on the end with a hammer, or you might not be. But the cost of a new unit, including the helm is cheap insurance that it will work properly for years to come. So why bother going through all the unnecessary hassle? Do the right thing and replace it.
And when you do replace it buy a Steersman nut for the end of it that will prevent all these problems in the future. https://steersman.com/html/whatitdoes.html If you are boating in saltwater get the Stainless type, if you are boating in only fresh water get the Aluminum type. Buy the type that fits the threads of the brand of engine you have. They work. I've been using them for years and never had a single steering cable go bad on me. (And they are cheap compared to the cost of a new cable).
Good luck on the fix and happy boating.
__________________
1987 V20 w/1987 150HP Yamaha on a Shoreland'r Trailer
1978 16.5 Airslot w/1996 120HP Force on a Four Winns trailer
1996 V21 w/1993 200HP Mercury on a Shoreline Trailer
All towed by a 5.7L Hemi Durango.
If God didn't have a purpose for us we wouldn't be here, so
Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly.
(Leave the rest to God) 
Silence, in the face of evil, is itself evil. Not to speak is to speak, not to act is to act. God will not hold us guiltless.
Last edited by Destroyer; 05-29-2019 at 02:06 AM.
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