I will try to explain this the best i can, so bear with me. My '02 SLS has the infamous 60-75 mph vibration/shimmy. I ahve new tires, and just had them road force balanced on a Hunter 9700, with no success. My question is in regards to the factory struts. My car has 54,000 miles on it. Is it possible, that the struts are beginning to fail?

Let's think about the strut for a moment. Let's assume, that the strut has 6" of total travel. Three inches above ride height, and three inches below ride height. During a struts lifespan, it may ride in the 1 1/2" above, to 1 1/2" below ride height area, 90% of the time. Now, it has to be in the 1/4" above, and 1/4" below ride height, more often than that. (I am stating here, before I go any further, that my expertise on the inner structure of struts, is next to nil) Wouldn't it be possible, that the area, that is 1/4" above, and 1/4" below ride height, could wear out, while the rest of the struts travel areas, feel okay? If this is possible, wouldn't it be possible, that since this small area is worn out, since it sees most of it's life there, could cause a poorly controlled tire? A poorly controlled tire, will hit a very minor road imperfection, and oscillate. Since the strut is worn out, in the area it is oscillating in, it will continue, and not stop readily. Could this be the cause of the vibration/shimmy?

I would greatly appreciate all of the feedback possible. Hopefully, someone, who knows how struts are built, can give some valueable input. I would rather hear from folks in the know, who aren't trying to sell me something. Thanks in advance.

Don