Regular Maintenance including steering linkage lubrication on your outboard motor could determine it’s life.
Terrific Video on Mercury’s Blog Site – https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/dockline/quickbite-tips-lubricating-steering-linkages/?page=2&article_type%5B%5D=how-to – showing the process involved in keeping your outboard motor steering linkages lubricated.