It was due for new tires, I knew it and was going to do it in the very near future (certainly before any trip out of the area as you can't take chances when you have no spare tire)! It does ride much nicer as I knew it would.

 

Something to really consider regarding your specific situation.. check out the video...

 

That's an interesting video, seems the steering rack bushings have various degrees of slop in them depending on mileage (although the video didn't go into that or suggest any remedies). Maybe I need to look into the condition of mine ( and maybe an aftermarket higher performance replacement bushing(s)) since I have 75K miles on my 4S.

 

yes the video was interesting but disappointing in the end as it didn't go into the issue