Tires: Shaking steering wheel above 60mph?, hyundai sante fe, alignment issues

Question
QUESTION: Hello Barry,

I have a 2003 Hyundai Sante Fe, AWD 2.7L V6.  She has 40,000miles and a
pretty flawless track record.  However, I live in Boston(home of millions of
potholes) and it shook my sway bar loose.  I had that replaced, but ever since
that my steering control over 60mph has been incredibly shaky.  My
alignment was infact off (due to the steering wheel noticably aiming left
consistently).   I had that replaced and that cured the alignment issues, but
still my steering was off over 60mph.  So I took my car back to the Meineke
that did this work and mentioned my dissatisfaction/continued issue.  They
took it out for a spin over 60mph and agreed at the shaky nature.  Meineke
stated that the issue was not the alignment; instead that it was one of the
front tires that was askew.  They said that since the auto is AWD all tires must
be checked and then replaced if only one tire is awash.  

Now my tires have plenty of tread left and are in great condition.  The
Meineke mechanic said that if it was his auto, he'd drive the car until the
treads were done and live with the vibration.  

I am curious what your thoughts are on my predicament.  Mind you that the
car drives fine under 60mph with no symptoms.  Even with the 60mph+
vibrations, the auto is undercontrol, just obnoxious.

Hope you can help,
Ben

ANSWER: Ben,

I tend towards the cheap side, So I would do what the mechanic suggested.

However, I might try rotating the tires to find the best combination for the vibration.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Is it possible to rotate the tires on my own, realizing that appropriate lugnut
removing devices beyond a simple wrench might be necessary?

Answer
Ben,

Here is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of your "cheapness" and turn it into something wonderful.

This is the opportunity to buy an air compresser.  An air powered impact wrench is one of the worlds most useful tools.  And I primarily use it to (ta da!)  rotate tires.

The only other tools you will need are a jack and a jack stand (to support the corner that doesn't have the tire).

But if you don't feel like buying a compresser, then you ought to invest in a breaker bar - a simple long handled bar that holds a socket - leverage is your friend.