If you end up replacing the cables, I used this suggestion from LA Elwood, and it really helped. To get those cables out of the push bars on the motor, you have to pull slack out first or youll never get them off.From LA Elwood:”Kent…I did NOT take the motor off. I disconnected everything first……then if you pull real hard you can get enough slack in the cable to remove the push bars from the motor….you will actually pull the rack into the hole below the consol so make sure you tie a rope to it. Once you get the push bars out put the rack out from the rear with rope attached so that you can pull the new one back through the same route the old one came out. Take your time and you will get a few scrape from trying to wedge everything around the rear corner of the boat. Take the vent off and you will be able to get an extra hand under the top cap. As you are pulling the rope to get the rack back to the console put the push bars back in the motor and as someone pulls on the rack you push on the cable to reseat it back in the rear opening. Conect everything under the consol and on the motor and you are good to go. I hope this makes sense. “