New steering cable question for 2010 Challenger 210

[rambo benson]

My Mechanic replaced steering cable but the black rubber sleeve on the rod end past the packing nut where it exits transom came off.
He says, " It doesn't matter. It's just a dust wiper".
I'm not sure if it's helping keep salt water out, which completely rusted out the last VERY EXPEN$$$IVE cable!
Please advise, Mechanics!
THANKS!

 

[ski-d00]

The black rubber boot sleeve is there to prevent water from entering the cable which will rust them out faster especially in saltwater. I'd have him put it back on which he should know better. If it wasn't needed or at least helpful then BRP wouldn't have put it there in the first place.

 

[rambo benson]

The black rubber boot sleeve is there to prevent water from entering the cable which will rust them out faster especially in saltwater. I'd have him put it back on which he should know better. If it wasn't needed or at least helpful then BRP wouldn't have put it there in the first place.

Thank you! I absolutely thought so and my steering is already sticking after four outings in saltwater.
I really appreciate you confirming that.
It's on a boat lift now so hard to get to. I'm not sure if it was glued on originally ( of course to the sleeve not rod ) as it has to resist both pushing and pulling friction. I'm thinking if so and he broke it off I may need a little glue on the outer sleeve only and maybe a lightly tightened hose clamp to hold it on.
Any thoughts on that?
Thanks!