If you have a flat rack steering system ( a flat square cable rack under the helm) an it's Not a no feedback steering system it will have some play in it as you described. A round or rotary helm will have almost none. Any one with any mechanical ability can chage them , but it won't be easy. All the wiring is usually tied to the cable because it is very stiff. Most times labor should be about $100 -125 to change and cable may be from $90 up to as much as $200 per cable. Let me know if I can be of any more help.
Tom