steering wheel vibration above 45 mph?

[ggsz28]

Just bought my '02 Tahoe and I noticed that when I get above 45 mph the steering wheel shakes. If I let go of the wheel then it sort of oscillates by quickly moving to the left 1/2" and then quickly turning right 1/2" and repeating this in a very fast pattern. It also feels like the vibrating lets off around 60 but picks up again around 70. I've heard it could be the tires which are new Goodyear Trackers (cheapies from WalMart). It needs an alignment too so should I just go in and get an alignment and then have them check the balance of all 4 tires?
Thanks in advance.

[GMMerlin]

Originally Posted by ggsz28

Just bought my '02 Tahoe and I noticed that when I get above 45 mph the steering wheel shakes. If I let go of the wheel then it sort of oscillates by quickly moving to the left 1/2" and then quickly turning right 1/2" and repeating this in a very fast pattern. It also feels like the vibrating lets off around 60 but picks up again around 70. I've heard it could be the tires which are new Goodyear Trackers (cheapies from WalMart). It needs an alignment too so should I just go in and get an alignment and then have them check the balance of all 4 tires?
Thanks in advance.

sounds like a tire vibration. I would have the balance checked..and if you can find someone that has a balancer that can check road force, I would recommend they check that.
Why do you think it needs an alignment?

[ggsz28]

I was going to take it in for an alignment anyways b/c it pulls a little to the left when the steering wheel is held straight. Can I just take it anywhere for the balance check like any tire shop? I won't be going somewhere crappy like Wal-mart.