Jay Honeck wrote:
/snip/
Control cables, for example, are obviously critical -- yet I don't
recall ever hearing about them being changed on condition, let alone
preemptively, even on our 61 year old Ercoupe. Sure, they're inspected
every year, and occasionally adjusted, but apparently they never wear
out? Yet surely they must, someday.
/snip/

Jay,

Control cables are absolutely changed out on condition. They will tend
to fray where they pass over pulleys, especially if the cable tension is
a bit loose (it will tend to "bounce" against the pulley), or the pulley
doesn't turn as freely as it should. During maintenance checks, a
mechanic will run their fingers over all cables at these locations, and
any broken strands will be felt, as they tend to stick out. Not super
common on light GA aircraft, but not at all unheard of. Corrosion can
also be a problem. Advisory Circular 43.13 has an entire section
devoted to cable inspection and condition.

Happy Flying!
Scott Skylane