Steering wheel shaking at 42mph, 55-60mph

[Q45-pj]

My steering wheel starts to vibrate violently just past 40mph and stops at 45mph. It's smooth up to 55mph at which point the vibrating starts again and last through 60mph. 63mph it smooths out again but everything from 65mph and above brings about this violent shaking in the steering wheel. Braking from 60mph also causes this shaking to occur. I know I need new struts so I was thinking that may be the problem. What do you guys think?

[Q45Owner]

My steering wheel starts to vibrate violently just past 40mph and stops at 45mph. It's smooth up to 55mph at which point the vibrating starts again and last through 60mph. 63mph it smooths out again but everything from 65mph and above brings about this violent shaking in the steering wheel. Braking from 60mph also causes this shaking to occur. I know I need new struts so I was thinking that may be the problem. What do you guys think?

Your wheels probably needs balancing. How old are the tires?
If your car is shaking when you brake, you probably need new rotors as well.

[Q451990]

You might also check your front tires on the inside and outside sidewall for bulges (or goose eggs as they're called around here). These are more common on cheaper tires, but can cause a steering wheel wobble at certain speeds like you mentioned. As Q45Owner mentioned, you probably have two or more problems at work here... a tire issue for moving vibrations, and a brake issue for stopping vibrations. Worn shocks don't normally cause this type of issue... you'll notice more of a "boat float" feel to the car and excessive bouncing after crossing over a bump.

Heath