vcc.ca
HPAS 2110: Suspension Systems and High Performance Suspension
Effective date
January 2026
Department
Auto Serv Tech Diploma Intl
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
The course covers various automotive chassis and suspension components, including frames, springs, shock absorbers, struts, and electronic and adaptive systems. Additionally, students will learn to diagnose, service, and modify high-performance suspension systems.
Credits
5.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
HPAS 1000.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify different frame types, unibody and body-over-frame designs.
- Describe suspension dynamics forces acting upon a suspension system, including body roll, suspension travel, and weight shifting.
- Identify and compare different types of suspension systems, such as rigid/solid, independent, McPherson strut, short and long arm, and multi-link systems.
- Identify and service suspension system components, such as control arms, ball joints, sway bars and rubber bushings.
- Describe and service automotive spring, including coil, leaf, air, and torsion bar.
- Describe the construction, operation and service of shock absorbers and struts.
- Describe, diagnose and service electronic suspension systems and adaptive suspension systems.
- Explain high performance suspension system modifications and components.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 25
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 100
Total Hours: 125
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 100
Total Hours: 125
Instructional Strategies
Classroom activities are lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual presentations and exercises. Practical experience takes place in an active shop setting. The extensive workshop experience provides reinforcement of theoretical concepts, develops hand skills, and familiarity with repair procedures, electronic equipment and standard safety procedures. All modules are designed to enable the student to work independently and in groups.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
70%
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
15 |
Assignments related to Suspension systems. |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
15 |
|
|
Final Exam |
30 |
Students are given final exam at the end of the course to assess their theoretical knowledge. |
|
Lab Work |
30 |
Practical knowledge and skills are evaluated in the shop while students are working on training aids and customer vehicles. |
|
Participation |
10 |
Demonstrated engagement with course activities and discussions. |
Course topics
- Body frames
- Type of Suspension systems
- Type of suspension springs
- Shock absorbers and struts
- Electronic suspension systems
- High performance suspension systems
Learning resources
Automotive Technology: Principles, Diagnosis, and Service (Published by Pearson)
Moodle (LMS)
Moodle (LMS)
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.