2002 saturn vue with 3.0 v6,awd,108k miles.has intense shaking of the whole vehicle and in the steering wheel, pulls very hard to the left when shaking.checked the wheel bearings and struts all good.the wheels are balanced and tierod ends are not worn.the brakes and rotors are new.the steering makes a whining noise but im not sure that has anything to do with it.

SOURCE: saturn vue 2003 sway bar link and struts

it all depends on what tools you have its not really that at my shop it would probable take 30-40 min to change the struts and 15min to change the links so its would be around 75.00

SOURCE: 2004 Saturn VUE AWD V6 has a harsh grinding sound in front wheels

Have you checked your wheel bearings? When these go out you can get a harsh grinding noise. This sounds like that is what it might be. Does it happen when you are going fast/slow turning/going straight? I know you said it's inconsistent but the more info the better. However, if I had to bet, based on what you have already said, it's your wheel bearings. Let me know if you have further questions. Thanks for using FixYa!

SOURCE: 2002 Sayurn vue 3.0L

Under the intake manifold,  it will need to be removed.  Not too hard to do for the average diy but recommend buying a repair manual as a guide.  you will need a 1/4" drive T30 torx socket with a long extension one of the bolts is hidden but the others are under the black cover on the top of the intake.  you will also need to remove the coil pack held on with torx bolts.  8 or 10 inverted torx socket needed for that.

SOURCE: 2003 saturn vue v6 awd cuts out; won't start

the BCM (body control module) is a problem on these cars it works one day and not the next,also controls the lights, security, door locks, etc this computer is usually very expensive and dealers charge around $800 the replace and reprogram it.

SOURCE: how to add fluid to a 2004 Saturn Vue transfer case

well if it is a v6.. the stick is on your right(as you stand in front) and way down. It has a yellow handle, but hard to see.

if you have v4 probably doesn't have one they are sealed.