2002 amberjack steering loose, after forcing

Long story short - came back on port motor
Starboard motor overheated
Power steering is on start board

To get into slip o had to muscle the steering (of course in wind too, and alone)
the steering was normally stiff , until it wasn’t.
the wheel will turn and stop at the locks but doesn’t do anything.
the bar under the helm doesn’t move when the wheel is moved. But you can see the rod turning
Am I best to think that the cable snapped ? Or did I screw up the rack system ?

the motors do not turn - only the wheel