Steering Wheel shakes when going over bumps

[slshearer]

Hi

My reliable 97 QX4 4x4 with 188K has been developing a problem where the steering wheel starts shaking when it goes over a bump in the road or irregular surface from about 45 to 65 miles an hour, after the bump the steering wheel smooths out and everything is fine,this condition is getting worse lately but started to be noticeable about 60K miles ago.

I had the front end checked it everything appears to be good, the tires are Michelin ATX are new and balanced.. the tires run true and the alignment is OK, I am now considering new Struts and rear shocks, the car has lived its life in Southern Georgia and 95% of its miles are highway with no off road adventures, I have read a lot of posts on the forum and wanted to know if anyone experienced this problem and what was the fix. also what shocks and related parts should I replace, don't want to waste $ on unnecessary parts either, what is the best shocks to use for keeping the ride and handling the same as when the Q was new,

Thanks for your advise

Stewart

[ARKQX33V6]

188k with original front struts leads me to think that it is time for new ones, also check the links right and left. I find the struts can take 65,000 mi and they are shot.

[Buzzman]

Had the same problem on my 02 Pathfinder a while back.
New struts and links fixed the problem. Went with KYB's.

[slshearer]

What are links? Do I need to replace the bushings for them or the actual links, I have noticed that there is also boot covers and shock tower mount kits, I am wondering if they should be replaced as well?
Thanks!

[Buzzman]

Stabilizer links. Not very expensive, and something you can probably replace yourself.

[coledog188]

I got MOOG links for $60 from Rock Auto, just got them installed for under $100 as well.

Definitely need struts though, I need them as well...My car shakes at turns when doing above 50 and clunks a little over bumps.