I have a 2002 LXI that has a serious shimmy/shake/vibration in the steering wheel at speeds above 55 mph. Had a repair shop tell me it was warped rotors and deteriorated cradle bushing in the front end of the car (2 lower rear cradle bushings). Thought this was a bunch of crap but replaced these myself as the brakes could stand to be replaced and the bushings were pretty well gone. Needless to say this didn't help. also have a ticking/clunking noise under the front end when turning at low speeds, i.e. pulling into a parking space or backing into the driveway. Any idea what might be the problem? Really hesitant to take it to another repair shop for fear they will keep trying to screw me on unnecessary repairs. Thinking the problem might be sway bar links?

 

.......the bushings on the inner tie rods where they bolt to the rack. They are kind of hard to see without removing the brace that runs between the strut towers. Try a mirror and flashlight. They are located up high on the fire wall in the center of the car. You can also try feeling slop in them by rocking the steering wheel when the car is not running and cool. Don't turn the tires just rock the wheel. You may also here the noise this way. I have a 99 LHS and both of them are shot and now I'm searching for direction on the easiest way to change them. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks. You have just given me more info than I have gotten from anyone I have talked to about this and even from the 2 dealerships and 1 repair shop that I have taken it (that told me there was nothing wrong with the car and that it only had a "slight" vibration in the wheel). Let me know how you replace yours.

 

Vibration in the steering wheel at a specific speed can be caused by an out-of-balance tire, or by a tire with a flat spot. A simple test would be to rotate the tires (back to front) to see if that affects the problem.