Front end shaking over 60 mph

[Walnut777]

I was driving down I-85 yesterday and my 96 Explorer 2wd felt as if it was shaking left and right, with a little vibration. You have to get over 55 or 60. The faster you go, the worse it gets. Feels as if I might lose control.

I was on I-85 last month and this wasn't going on.

I checked my tire pressure and looked around at my steering components. Nothing appeared to be broken or non functioning.

The shocks are about 1-1/2 years old. The lower balljoints are about a year old. The sway bar links are about 8 months old.

I don't think it is the wheel bearings, but you never know.
What are the symptoms of bad wheel bearings? inner tie rod ends? outer tie rod ends? upper ball joint?

 

[Firestorm]

How old are your tires? Also, how long has it been since they've been balanced and rotated? A multitude of things could cause these symptoms. Check to see if any of your tires have "cupped".

 

[Walnut777]

Tires are about 2 months old. No cupping or uneven wear.Steering is not sitting level, yet it seems to be in perfect alignment. Been about a year since the last alignment. I do not recall the steering wheel being this unlevel. Not even a 1,000 miles on these new tires yet.
The last time I was on the interstate was a couple days after I had the new tires put on. I didn't have any problems then. So the tires are not on the top of my suspect list.

 

[gavin]

generally, if the steering wheel is off-center, it needs an alignment.