Why does the steering wheel shake when driving forty to sixty MPH?

MP004

MEMBER
1999 LEXUS GS 300
3.0L
6 CYL
2WD
212,590 MILES

When I drive and get between 40-60 MPH, my steering wheel shakes, but above 60 MPH it doesn't. I have had the tires rotated and balanced and an alignment. The steering wheel still shakes between those speeds. The mechanic I went to showed me where on the driver's side wheel a bar (possibly sway bar) was uneven from the other side and slightly bent and the driver's side wheel is slightly loose. Another mechanic told me it is the lower control arm. What part could this be that I need or what would you suggest?

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,643 POSTS

Yep, the lower control arms are the most likely causes of these issues because of worn bushing and lower ball joint. Here is a guide to help as well with the instruction on how to change the lower control arms out in the images below so you can see what is involved with doing the job including labor.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/steering-wheel-shakes-when-accelerating-or-braking

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Images (Click to make bigger)