Buy Saturn Aura Rack and Pinion Assemblys

The Saturn Aura (model years 2007-2009) uses a rack-and-pinion steering rack-also called a steering rack, steering gear, or power-steering rack-to turn the front wheels. This mid-size sedan rides on GM's Epsilon platform, the same basic chassis shared with the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6, so the assembly fits many of those cars, too. Inside the long metal tube, the pinion gear on the steering shaft slides the rack left or right; tie-rods then push or pull the wheels. Most Auras power the unit hydraulically, while some four-cylinder cars use electric assist and were part of a GM safety recall for sudden loss of boost. Because the rack is mounted low on the front cradle, it can be damaged by road debris, fluid contamination, or worn boots; when it leaks or binds, steering effort rises and tire wear speeds up.

A rack-and-pinion system converts the round motion of the steering wheel into straight motion that points the wheels HowStuffWorks explains the gearset here.

• The pinion gear spins with the steering shaft.
• The rack bar slides side-to-side inside its housing.
• Inner and outer tie-rods relay that motion to the steering knuckles.
• Power assist-hydraulic or electric-adds muscle so drivers don't have to.

• Saturn Aura XE, XR, and Green Line hybrid - 2007, 2008, 2009 model overview
• Platform cousins that share nearly the same rack: certain 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu and 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 models GM Epsilon list.

• Hard steering at low speed or when parking.
• Fluid puddles or wet boots near the rack body.
• Metallic clunk over bumps as inner tie-rod joints loosen.
• Steering wheel off-center even after an alignment.
  See a quick demo of failure noises here.

1. Seal wear from old or wrong fluid.
2. Rust pitting on the rack bar after boot tears.
3. Impact damage from curbs or road debris.
4. Torque-sensor fatigue in electric-assist units-covered by GM recall (RCRIT-14V153) PDF bulletin and news report Time Magazine.

1. Lift the front end on stands; leave wheels hanging free.
2. Engine off, key on, turn wheel lock-to-lock-feel for notches or tight spots.
3. Inspect boots; any fluid means internal leak.
4. Rock tie-rods by hand; play points to worn inner joints.
5. Flush fluid if it looks dark or smells burnt; follow GM service manual.

A step-by-step Aura teardown video shows the main tasks watch here. Basics:

1. Disconnect battery (for air-bag safety).
2. Unbolt outer tie-rods and mark positions.
3. Support engine cradle, then remove rack mounting bolts.
4. Drop rack out the driver side.
5. Install new or remanufactured unit; tighten all fasteners to the torque in the factory manual.
   Always finish with a wheel alignment.

GM specifies Power Steering Fluid # 89021184 (or equivalent) for hydraulic Aura racks owner-manual excerpt.

• Flush interval: every 60,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first.
• Fill to the "HOT" mark with the engine warm and idling.

Because the Aura rides on the Epsilon platform, the rack can interchange with:

• 2008-2012 Chevrolet Malibu sedans Malibu page
• 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 models reference
  This makes it easier to find rebuilt steering gears when Aura-specific stock is low.

• Keep tires inflated; under-inflation strains the steering gear.
• Avoid holding the wheel at full lock for more than five seconds-it overheats fluid.
• Replace torn dust boots fast; a $10 boot can save a $500 rack.
• After suspension repairs, always perform a fresh alignment.

Choosing a remanufactured steering rack keeps about 85 % of the original material in service and saves the energy equal to powering six million cars each year study PDF. More on green benefits is covered by Gearhead Engines article.

Q: What does a rack-and-pinion assembly do?
A: It turns the rotary motion of your steering wheel into side-to-side motion, letting the wheels pivot smoothly HowStuffWorks.

Q: Which Saturn Aura years use this rack?
A: All production Auras-2007, 2008, and 2009-share the same steering gear Wikipedia.

Q: Is it the same part for the Malibu and G6?
A: Yes; many Malibu and G6 sedans on the GM Epsilon chassis use an identical rack, making parts plentiful platform list.

Q: How can I tell mine is bad?
A: Look for leaks at the boots, listen for clunks, or notice if the wheel gets harder to turn. A short video shows typical noises YouTube.

Q: Was there a steering recall?
A: Yes. GM recall #14117 covers 2008 Auras with electric assist; the fix is a new torque sensor or control module NHTSA bulletin.

Q: What fluid should I use?
A: Use GM-approved Power Steering Fluid # 89021184 or equivalent GM manual (experience.gm.com).

Q: Can I rebuild just the inner tie-rods?
A: Yes, but if seals are leaking or the rack gear is pitted, a full rack swap is smarter and often cheaper in the long run.

Q: How long will a new rack last?
A: With clean fluid and intact boots, many last 150,000 miles or more. Regular inspections double the odds.

Q: Is remanufactured as reliable as new?
A: A quality remanufactured rack is tested to the same leak and pressure specs as new but uses less energy and raw material to build energy-saving study.

Q: Do I need an alignment after replacement?
A: Absolutely. Removing the rack disturbs toe settings; skipping alignment will cause uneven tire wear and pull.

Q: How often should I flush the fluid?
A: Every 60 k miles or five years, and anytime it turns dark or smells burnt.

By understanding how the Saturn Aura rack-and-pinion assembly works, recognizing early warning signs, and following the care tips above, you can keep your steering light, precise, and reliable for years to come.