Chris,
I kinda noticed the same symptoms on my steering system. I'm hearing the slight clicking noise periodically and it seems to have a bit more slack. I'm not feeling any resistance, though. I"m not sure if its been there all along and I've just noticed it and am now super-sensitive to the noise, or if its something new and I should be concerned. I keep looking around trying to decide if I can see anything going awry, but the unit behind the steering column warns against taking it apart. Everything else appears in good shape. But I too have this little itch in the back of my head telling me I should do something about it......but what? When I bought the boat from NW Outlet in Superior, Dave Miller had lots of good things to say about the system, so maybe he can be of help. I thought of giving him a call, but he really can't help by just talking about it, he'd really have to hear and feel what's going on. My boat is a 98 also, and it still has the original steering system. I'll monitor this thread closely; I'm curious to know the outcome. I hesitate taking the problem to a local boat guy here, as they know NOTHING about C Dorys, and the little work I've had done on the motor leaves me very skeptical about their ability to work on my steering system. If the problem worsens, I have a notion to trailer the 8 - 9 hours up to Superior so Dave can look at it. Dave is a straight shooter and will definitely steer me in the right direction (pun intended). Plus, I could take some time and enjoy the wonderful boating you folks have around the Apostle Islands!
Paul abourd the Joni Lynn