Overview
A disc brake uses hydraulic pressure to press two pads against the rotor, creating friction that turns your car's motion into heat and safely brings the wheels to a stop (HowStuffWorks).
The rotor on every Saturn Aura is cast from gray iron, a strong metal that spreads heat fast and resists wear (Wikipedia).
Keeping rotors smooth and within thickness specs prevents pedal pulsation and uneven pad wear that can lengthen stopping distance.
Compatibility
How It Works
When you press the pedal, fluid pushes the caliper pistons so the pads grab both faces of the rotor, converting kinetic energy into heat (HowStuffWorks).
Ventilated vanes inside the Aura's front rotors pump cooling air through the disc and lower fade during hard stops (raybestos.com).
Slotted or drilled versions add channels or holes that help wipe water and gases off the pad face, but drilled holes can crack if overheated, so many drivers pick slotted only for spirited use (MotorTrend).
Wear Symptoms
According to the AAA Auto Repair resource, squealing, grinding, steering-wheel vibration, or a longer pedal travel mean the rotor-pad pair needs inspection .
If the car shudders only when braking at highway speed, the rotor may be uneven (excess lateral run-out).
A yearly brake check-including rotor thickness, pad life, and fluid level-is recommended by the Car Care Council .
Replacement Steps
Materials & Designs
Key Specs
| Spec | Front Rotor | Source |
| Diameter | 296 mm (11.65 in) | (Charm) |
| New Thickness | 26.0 mm (1.02 in) |
|
| Discard Thickness | 22.8 mm (0.90 in) |
|
| Max Run-Out | 0.05 mm (0.002 in) |
|
| Bolt Circle | 5 × 110 mm |
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Safety Rules
The U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards regulate entire brake systems, requiring each vehicle-including its rotors-to meet strict stopping-distance tests .
GM has issued recalls for Aura brake-related wiring that could disable brake lamps and electronic assist features (Cars.com). Always check your VIN at the NHTSA recall portal before servicing.
Green Tips
Old rotors are 100 % recyclable iron. Removing worn brake components from scrap before smelting cuts mercury and other emissions, a strategy the EPA calls Òpollution preventionÓ (US EPA).
Drop used rotors at local metal-recycling centers or municipal collection days instead of landfills to conserve raw ore and energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What years of Saturn Aura use this rotor?
A: All 2007, 2008, and 2009 model-year Auras share the same 296 mm front brake disc (Charm).
Q: How long do Aura rotors last?
A: Under normal driving, 40 000-60 000 miles is common, but annual checks catch early wear (Be Car Care Aware).
Q: Can I machine (resurface) these rotors?
A: Yes, as long as final thickness stays above the 22.8 mm discard spec (Charm).
Q: What causes steering-wheel shake only when braking?
A: Excess run-out or uneven rotor thickness (sometimes called ÒwarpedÓ rotors) lets the pads grab harder at certain spots (Charm).
Q: Are drilled rotors better?
A: Drilled holes look sporty and help in rain, but they can form cracks from heat; many drivers choose slotted or plain rotors for daily use (MotorTrend).
Q: Do I need coated rotors?
A: A corrosion-resistant coating keeps the hat and vanes from rusting, helpful in salty climates (raybestos.com).
Q: What torque should I use on wheel nuts?
A: Always follow the Saturn owner's manual; using a calibrated torque wrench in a star pattern protects the rotor from stress (Wikipedia).
Q: Can worn rotors affect ABS or stability control?
A: Yes-uneven friction surfaces can confuse wheel-speed sensors and lengthen ABS stop times (Cars.com).
Q: Is it okay to replace pads without rotors?
A: Only if the rotor is smooth, within thickness, and free of deep grooves; otherwise, new pads may not bed-in correctly (aaa.com).
Q: Where can I learn step-by-step installation?
A: Many DIY videos, such as this detailed front-brake guide on YouTube, show the full process; always pair video tips with the factory torque specs .
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