Overview
The Baer Brakes 31165-020 is a set of two Claw performance front brake rotors for the 1995–2002 Toyota 4Runner and 1995–2004 Toyota Tacoma. They are direct replacements for the factory front discs on those models, with six lugs per wheel. Baer Brakes is the brand, and 31165-020 is the part number to match when comparing this set with other rotors.
Each rotor is cast iron and vented, with a cross-drilled and slotted friction surface. The slots and drilled holes let gases and dust escape from between the pad and rotor during braking, which supports a steadier pedal feel and less brake fade. The zinc-plated finish looks bright when the rotor shows through open-center wheels. Confirm fit for your vehicle’s year, model and trim before ordering, especially for 2WD Tacoma applications.
Key features
- Cross-drilled and slotted friction surface that moves gases and dust away from the pad and rotor
- Enhanced vane structure, which Baer Brakes describes as improving cooling and durability
- Premium, mill balanced direct replacement rotor design
- Chamfered cross-drilled holes, intended to reduce stress cracking
- Zinc-plated finish for a bright appearance behind open-center wheels
- One-piece full cast construction with a directional brake surface
Before you replace rotors
Front rotors take the full heat of every stop, so their condition shapes how the whole brake system feels. A rotor that has worn below its minimum thickness or developed uneven wear can cause pulsation in the pedal, longer stopping distances, and noise from the pads. Replacing rotors in pairs keeps braking even from side to side, which matters most when the vehicle is loaded or towing on grades.
On trail use, a vented cast iron rotor handles repeated stops and heat soak better than a thin solid disc, but it still needs inspection after mud, water crossings and hard braking on descents. Check the friction surface for deep grooves, heat cracks, and a raised lip on the outer edge. Measure thickness against the minimum discard value before reuse, since a rotor worn past that point should be replaced rather than resurfaced.
- Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to the vehicle’s specification
- Bed in new pads with a series of moderate stops
- Clean the hub face and remove rust before mounting the rotor
- Recheck lug torque after the first few drives
Specifications
| Brand | Baer Brakes |
|---|---|
| Part number | 31165-020 |
| UPC | 844165001430 |
| Axle | Front |
| Rotor construction | One piece, full cast |
| Solid or vented | Vented |
| Brake surface | Directional |
| Material | Cast iron |
| Disc finish | Zinc plated |
| Surface type | Slotted and cross-drilled |
| Drive | 2WD, 4WD |
| Stud/lug hole quantity | 6 |
| Mounting bolt hole circle diameter | 140 |
| Outside diameter | 296.67 |
| Overall height | 70.4 |
| Discard thickness | 20.1 |
| Grade type | Premium |
| Sold as | Set |
| Emission code | 6 |
| ABS tone ring included | No |
| Country of origin | CN |
Vehicle fitment
It fits the 1995–2002 Toyota 4Runner, with 11.69 inch front rotors from 8/95, and the 1995–2004 Toyota Tacoma with 6 lugs.
Later 4Runner model years and Tacoma years beyond the 1995–2004 range are not in the list. Compare your vehicle’s year, model and trim with these entries before selecting this part.
What’s included
The set includes a pair of direct replacement front rotors, sold as a set, so one rotor for each front wheel is covered.
Not included: The ABS tone ring is not included. Check the package contents against your installation before starting.
