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To get the cable out of the helm, you completely back off the large nut holding the cable in, then disconnect the link arm from the engine, so that the ram can move freely. Be sure you have a length of clear plastic tubing available to place over the exposed, bare inner steering cable. Turn the wheel as needed so that the cable will back out of the helm. Don't let dirt get on the greasy exposed cable, which is why you need the protective plastic tube

PS: before you do any of this, be sure the steering wheel is loose and comes off easily.

If you can remove the console leaving the steering intact, by all means do that. You only have to remove the wheel, unscrew the bezel, and unbolt the three bolts holding the helm in place. Then it will drop right out of the console.