Another Steering Cable Question

[James]

I have read many of the steering cable treads but I still have a few questions.
I assume the steering cable works with the same concept as a bicycle brake cable where there is a steel cable running though a plastic tubular casing.
When the "steering cable" is replaced,are folks removing and replacing the cable along with the black tubular casing the cable runs though or are they pulling the cable out of the casing and replacing just the cable.
Also,is it possible to pull the cable out of the casing and grease it to prevent problems down the road.

[SquamInboards]

1. sort of - the 'cable' itself is threaded at the helm end with a pushrod at the rudder end instead of just straight like a bicycle brake cable... but in concept they're quite similar.
2. when you replace the cable it's the whole thing, casing and all
3. no, you can't just take out the inside, or at least I've never heard of anyone successfully doing it, let alone even trying it! It would be messy at best, if you could...