WOW randyray41, seems you are lucky to be alive. Always always use that kill switch. If we all knew when something bad was going to happen, then we would only use kill switches and life preservers for those times. But we don't know that before hand.
Okay, if I were to be questioning a steer cable, the first thing(s) I would do is inspect the entire cable for any bulges (signifying possible rust) or split sheathing, and even the end play and easibility of the steering wheel movement. Look for rust and any end play that wasn't there before. Another good thing to think about is, how old is the steering assembly? If it has been decades since installed, I would really look closely for deterioration.
A true story. I bought an old boat from an EBayer and trailered it home. Upon surveying the entire boat, I noticed the PO used some tape around a section of the steering cable. And while the cable did work, I wondered why there was tape on it. So I had to remove the tape to see what was going on there. So glad I did. The PO taped and heat shrinked a lot of layers of tubing and cover material to make the cable look about the correct diameter. But he taped over a near rusted through inter cable and passed it off as okay working condition. I can only imagine what would have happened had I not investigated it further. Here is a picture of that cable. Scary isn't it.
My final opinion, if you suspect a steering cable issue, change it. It can't hurt and could be a problem waiting to happen. But only you can make that final decision after examining the cable itself. JMHO!
