Car shakes at very low speed. Recently changed tires.

[obhro]

Hi Everyone,

I was hoping someone would have an insight of what is wrong with my car.
It is a 97 Corolla & I recently changed the tires (6 days ago). The day it was changed, we had a snowstorm and the roads were all covered with snow. I remember not having much problem that day but from the following day, the car reacts violently to the slightest bumps and this happens at really low speed of <20 mph. This sort of jerking didn't occur before changing the tires. I drive within the city and when going between 30-45, I haven't noticed much shaking but then again I haven't driven a whole lot since the tire change and also, may be most importantly, I still haven't done alignment on the car that should be done ASAP.

Not knowing much about cars, I tried to read up online but nothing makes much sense so I am posting this question. Do I just need to get the alignment done or is there something more that is needed to be done on the car.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

[roadrunner2]

Until you have the alignment done, check the wheels to ensure the wheel stud nuts are on tight.

Jack up each corner and shake the wheel.

Go back to whomever did the job and ask them to double check their work. Don't wait to do this.

New or used tires? Were they balanced?

[Scrapper]

if you had trouble with it before than you probably got a bad tire? did you put them on diffirent rim's? but alignment won't cure it.

good luck....

[NotoriousPhil]

All the previous posts have great responses but I just wanted to add you said your area just received a snow storm so make sure there is no snow lodged behind the wheels it will make the wheels off balance causing a pretty violent shake.

[obhro]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I took it to the shop I got the tires from (new tires) and the trouble is with the strut (back right) and the body of the car would not move even when pushed down (the front right side did). Estimate for both back and front two sides + labor + alignment + tax comes to ~1150. Only the rear would cost 610.
I will get a second opinion on that. But from whatever I can gather online, I don't think there'd be a big difference. Struts are expensive.
Just wanted to update you guys.

[roadrunner2]

I sure hope you're planning on getting an opinion from an independent tech/shop, and not a chain shop.

[jdmccright]

Dear God...$610 for one strut would double the value of my car. Get a second quote. One strut should cost about $80-100 and labor another $100. Sometimes you can find a buy 3 get one free deal with free install which I'd recommend of you can afford it since replacing only one can affect your car's handling too. That should cost you about $600-800. Get another quote then tell that guy to go shove it. Good luck!

[obhro]

oh wow! i did go to a chain shop. of i was also planning to get a second quote but was under the impression that it would be really costly but the max price being two-thirds or half the price isn't what i was expecting.
thank you for your replies and giving me a better idea of how much the cost should be.