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Buy Saturn Aura Disc Brake Rotors

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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

  • All 2007-2009 Saturn Aura trims-including the 2.4L hybrid, 3.5L V6 XE, and 3.6L V6 XR-share the same front rotor size (296 mm diameter) (Charm).
  • Rear rotors differ by package; always match by year, engine, and VIN when ordering.
  • The Aura shares hardware with related GM Epsilon cars (Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6), so some cross-fit rotors interchange; verify the bolt circle (5 × 110 mm) and center bore before installation (wheel-size.com).

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

  1. Loosen lug nuts, raise and secure the car, then remove the wheel.
  2. Unbolt the caliper and hang it with wire; do not let the hose stretch.
  3. Remove the caliper bracket (typically 148 ft-lb; always confirm spec in the service manual).
  4. Slide off the old rotor-tap gently if rusted-then clean the hub face.
  5. Install the new rotor, match any Òfront-sideÓ markings, and add a thin coat of high-temperature grease to the hub to prevent future seizure.
  6. Re-torque the bracket and caliper bolts, reinstall the wheel, and tighten lug nuts in a star pattern (consult the owner's manual for final torque).
    General Motors limits maximum assembled lateral run-out to 0.05 mm; exceeding this can cause pedal pulsation (Charm).

Materials & Designs

  • Standard cast-iron rotors (SAE G3000) balance cost and durability (raybestos.com).
  • High-carbon blends add molybdenum and copper to resist cracking during repeated high-heat stops.
  • Coated rotors use a zinc or proprietary paint on the hat and vanes to fight rust, a big plus in snowy regions .
  • One-piece vs. two-piece: two-piece designs pair an aluminum hat with an iron ring to save unsprung weight but cost more (MotorTrend).

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

(wheel-size.com)

← scroll table horizontally →

← scroll table horizontally →

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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