Too often, shop owners and technicians alike assume that suspension systems haven't changed much in the past 20 years. In reality, nothing could be farther from the truth because today's import vehicle may incorporate a number of technologies that can be affected by worn steering and suspension components.

To illustrate, we're beginning to see electronic stability controls integrated into many vehicle platforms. In other cases, we may also begin to see rear-steer capabilities appear in long-wheel-base vehicles. To be effective, either of these technologies demands vehicle platforms that maintain precise steering and suspension system geometries.

In years past, some alignment technicians compensated for worn components by adding small amounts of toe or camber angle to a wheel alignment. While this strategy might be somewhat effective in passive steering systems, it may not work in active systems that may require precise feedback from the steering system. In addition, many import vehicles are now supplied with wide, low-aspect ratio tires and wheels that are very sensitive to minor changes in camber and toe angle.

Since worn ball joints and suspension bushings won't hold the steering or suspension in the proper alignment, the effect will be worn tires and a general loss of handling qualities. Whatever the case, today's complex import suspension systems aren't tolerant of excessive wear because a worn ...