Mazda Repair: struts, bushings on 07 mazda 5, wheel bearings, wheel bearing

Question
Joshua, Three days ago I went to the mechanic,b/c serious front-end issues. My car had clonking noises @ slow speeds, and at 55-60mph the steering wheel shook violently. I read all about this problem to be knowledgable about the problem. I thought it was sway bar end link and bushings. The mechanic told me they were fine. He said it was the struts. (500.00} for job. Four hours later he called me to say now I need bushings. I figured out this myself by reading. He has not done it yet, b/c it was too late in the day. mechanic said he will do it for free. The steering wheel stills shakes but not so extreme. He said my front right tire is bad. The tires will stop the shaking wheel. I bought a tire this morning. It is better, but the wheel still shakes. Need to go back to mechanic to get bushings. Do I need wheel bearings? Will the bushings stop the shaking? He was recommended where I buy my tires. I always take my time to find a mechanic, but he may be taking me for a ride. Let me know what you think. Appreciate all your knowledge, and help, Carolyn

Answer
yes bad struts and a bad tire can cause front end shake. also so can improper alignment. if your wheel bears where bad youd hear it it would make a wining sound that gets louder normally as you increase speed. i have seen wheel bearing be bad enough to cause wheel shake but normally you'd notice them being that bad before hand. heck the common things related to the suspension struts bushings ball joints tires and such before you go t the extreme of replacing hubs there normally not cheap. and see if your car had an alignment done after the struts were replaced that could be the case of your shake.