If it moves easy both directions when it's not moving everything is good. If it's hard in one direction not moving it's either the rudder packing is sticking in one direction or the cable is bad. If it's under power and it's one direction it's suppose to be that way to keep the ski boat tracking in a straight line easier. I thought mine was bad and changed the cable, greased and re packed the rudder and it was good at a stop but was tight turning to the left. Thought the helm was bad but talked to Vince at skidim and he said its suppose to be that way.