Bearings and what not, saturn astra vs opel astra
 

Hey guys

is anyone aware of the different parts that can be taken from opel astra's instead of directly from saturn astra parts in general?

For now I'm specifically wondering if a wheel bearing (four corners) from opel could fit. They seem to be a wee bit less expensive than the saturn ones so i'd like to get them and save money instead if possible

Cheerio

The Astra people will respond as to what if anything is different. Since the Saturn Astra is actually an Opel I suspect almost everything fits mechanically.

"the Astra people"

Meaning I have seen more than one. 😀

I have waited for 1.5 decades for these "Astra people" to take notice of our clearly up to date forum, the home page of which lists a current vehicle lineup, among other antiquities.

I'm happy to see Astra folks finally joining our little scene with their little Saturns. I don't know a damn thing about them, or Opels, but I'd like to learn.

I doubt all the bearings will cross-reference but didn't look either.

There are a lot of parts that cross-reference to the European cars. What I do is find North American part numbers and compare them to Euro part numbers. This is one parts number source but I also use UK forums and web-stores for research:
https://webautocats.com/en-us/epc/saturn/

- Saturn XR is somewhat similar to some Euro SXi models
- Saturn XE is somewhat similar to some Euro SRi models

Not everything will work. Opel and Vauxhall had a lot more variants than North America received. Lots of engines, transmissions, brakes, body configurations (van, wagon, convertible, etc.), a facelift, different emissions, different safety requirements, etc. Also the suspensions were significantly stiffer (faster drivers).

It helps that all the North American Astras were 2008 models. When looking here are some helpful clues
- Saturns were post-facelift (updated exterior)
- Saturns were z18xer engines (slight difference to some Euro models such as much lower thermostat temp, variable intake system with a vacuum actuator, different 2 catalytic converter system, etc.)
- Saturns either had a AF17 auto transmission or a 5-speed transmission.
- Saturns had softer springs and shocks. Bilstein has a pretty helpful catalog. The XR rides a bit lower and stiffer than the XE with 16" wheels. I don't think any of the XR shocks/springs are available.
- Saturns had the bigger disc brake options (although the Euro VXR / OPC models might have huge brake options). A lot of the euros had drums in the rear and smaller discs in the front (with the corresponding calipers)
- I think the Euros had 2 main types of steering rack brands. I don't know about the US.
- Euro radios probably won't work in the US (for onstar, FM de-emphasis, etc.) You should be able to swap out to a north-american radio (but get the matched screen unless you have the dealer tools and security code to pair the parts)