vcc.ca
HPAS 2120: Steering Systems and High Performance Steering
Effective date
January 2026
Department
Auto Serv Tech Diploma Intl
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
This course offers comprehensive training on the various automotive steering and passenger restraint systems. Students will perform service steering systems and wheel alignments. Safely handle passenger restraint systems. The course also covers electronic steering systems, including the role of sensors and wiring, and explores high-performance steering system modifications and components, equipping students with the skills needed to excel in advanced automotive service environments.
Credits
6.0
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:
- Describe the components of passenger restraint systems and perform proper safety procedures to disarm and rearm airbag systems.
- Describe the components of steering columns, including their mounting, bearings, and collapsing functions.
- Describe and service both gear box and rack and pinion steering gears, addressing issues such as seal leakage, and proper adjustments.
- Describe and service the components of power steering systems, including the pump, hoses, and control valves, steering gears.
- Inspect and repair steering linkage components, including identifying wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and other components.
- Describe, diagnose and service wheel alignment using factory and aftermarket methods.
- Describe, diagnose, and repair electronic steering systems, including column and rack types, and understand the role of related sensors and wiring.
- Explain high performance steering system modifications and components.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 25
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 125
Total Hours: 150
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 125
Total Hours: 150
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 Steering 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
- Occupant restraints system
- Steering columns, steering linkage and steering gears
- Electronic steering systems
- Wheel alignment
- High performance steering systems and alignment geometry
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.