Overview
The Baer Brakes Claw 31146-020 is a set of front performance brake rotors for the 1998–2004 Toyota Tacoma with 2WD and 5-lug hubs. It is a direct replacement rotor, meant to take the place of the factory front rotors on those trucks.
Front rotors are the friction surface your pads clamp onto on every stop. The Claw design adds cross-drilled holes and slots across the friction face to let gas and dust escape from between pad and rotor, which Baer Brakes says supports a more consistent pedal feel and reduced brake fade. A zinc-plated finish gives an open-center wheel look.
Key features
- Cross-drilled and slotted friction surface that lets gas and dust escape from between pad and rotor
- Enhanced vane structure with premium materials for cooling and durability
- Chamfered cross-drilled holes designed to minimize stress cracking
- Zinc-plated finish for a bright appearance behind open-center wheels
- Premium, mill-balanced direct replacement rotor
Rotor wear and replacement
Brake rotors wear through constant friction, and the friction surface gradually loses thickness and flatness. Pulsation in the pedal, deep grooves that catch a fingernail, and a raised lip at the outer edge are common signs the old rotor is ready for replacement. Measure thickness with a micrometer at several points around the ring and compare the lowest reading with the discard thickness before deciding to reuse it.
Rotors are usually replaced together with pads, since new pads bed poorly against a worn surface. Clean rust off the hub face and wheel mounting surface before fitting, and tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Cross-drilled rotors work best when pads and rotors are matched, so choose a compatible pad set for the same axle.
- Replace pads at the same time as the rotors
- Clean rust from the hub face before mounting
- Check lateral runout with a dial indicator
- Re-torque lug nuts after the first few drives
Specifications
| Brand | Baer Brakes |
|---|---|
| Part number | 31146-020 |
| UPC | 844165006800 |
| Sold as | Set |
| Axle | Front |
| Drive | 2WD |
| Rotor construction | One piece, full cast |
| Solid or vented | Vented |
| Surface type | Slotted and drilled |
| Brake surface | Directional |
| Material | Cast iron |
| Disc finish | Zinc plated |
| Outside diameter | 254 |
| Overall height | 41.15 |
| Discard thickness | 20.1 |
| Stud/lug hole quantity | 5 |
| Mounting bolt hole circle diameter | 110 |
| ABS tone ring included | No |
| Grade type | Premium |
| Emission code | 6 |
| Country of origin | CN |
Vehicle fitment
It fits the 1998–2004 Toyota Tacoma front axle in the 2WD (RWD) configuration with 5-lug hubs. The bolt hole circle diameter is 110 with 5 studs, so check your hub pattern before ordering.
The rotor is built for 2WD Tacoma trucks from 1998–2004. Verify fit against your truck’s year, model and trim before buying.
Installation notes
Baer Brakes describes these as direct replacement rotors, so the work is the usual front rotor swap with no drilling or welding described. Cross-drilled rotors can crack under heat if abused, so avoid repeated hard stops right after installation and let the pads bed to the new surface gradually. Brakes are safety-critical, so confirm firm pedal feel before driving in traffic.
What’s included
The kit includes a pair of front direct replacement rotors, sold as a set.
Not included: ABS tone ring.
