Thanks for staying in touch about your project. I always enjoy reading what and how others are doing.
In the process, have you removed the chain/cable assembly from the wheel and pedestal?
If so, and just in case you didn't notice when you disassembled (or haven't read somewhere): For my Yacht Specialities helm, the cable crosses itself inside the pedestal before doing the 90 degree angle over the sheaves aft to the quadrant. And one of the sheaves is offset just a little bit more forward of the other which prevents the cable from rubbing against itself at the cross-over point. I know this because when I re-installed my system eight years ago, I just ran the cable straight down without crossing over. After standing back, feeling proud of getting everything back together, I turned the wheel while a friend observed the rudder motion. The rudder turned opposite of the wheel turn direction. Took a few minutes to figure out why. I needed then to remove both cable ends from the quadrant and then cross the cable inside the pedestal. Looking into the pedestal, I saw the cable was rubbing against itself inside. It was then I also noticed that the port and starboard sheaves were offset. I can't remember whether if it was the port or starboard side of the cable that was forward or aft, or which sheave was offset forward or aft. If your cable needs to be crossed over, check that the your sheave routing allows clearance at the cross-over point.
Please disregard this post if you already knew this!