I've got a bit of a problem with my Volvo. 1988, 240 GL. The steering wheel shudders at high speeds. It's fine until I hit 55 MPH or so, then it makes a clacking noise while shuddering. The steering is not affected.
I recall having this problem six months or so ago. Went away when I got new tires - or at least that's what I recall, memory could be incorrect. After getting the new tires I noticed that the steering seemed loose at high speeds. I took the car in for servicing recently and they fixed the brakes and rotated the tires. They said the steering column looked fine.
Any idea what this is? It's more of an annoyance than a real problem. I live in Orange County, near Los Angeles, and it's not common for freeway speeds to get over 50 MPH. I could just live with it until I junk the car, which could be just a few months. But if I'm courting disaster, I'd like to take care of it.
Any help or opinions is appreciated.