Yes, I agree, very annoying on the caps. I sincerely wish that our shadow government would decide to eradicate the key from the face of the earth.

On to the problem: you say that the tires "visually" check out... what exactly does that mean? You can't tell if your rims are warped or your tires are imbalanced and shot unless you take them somewhere to attempt to balance them.

If the rims are warped you won't be able to balance them, and you will have to either buy new rims, buy used rims at a junkyard, or have your rims straightened by a welder or metalworker. After doing this, either have your tires visually inspected by a tire shop or have them attaempt to balance the tire on another rim. Its possible your tire has been riding on a warped rim for some time and is totally fragged.

If none of this helps you likely have a much more serious issue related to the axle or the hub. Either way, don't drive the car if you can avoid it until you solve the problem.

good luck,
rt