Overview
The Baer Brakes 54097-020 is a pair of front Claw performance rotors for 4WD Ford Explorer Sport (2001–2003), Explorer Sport Trac (2001–2005), Ranger (2003–2011) and Mazda B3000 (2003–2008) and B4000 (2003–2009) trucks. It is sold as a set and works as a direct replacement for the factory front disc.
The surface is slotted and drilled. The slots and holes help gases and dust escape from the pad interface. The rotor uses premium materials and a vane structure designed for heat handling and endurance, with a zinc-plated face for open-center wheels.
Key features
- Slotted and drilled face for gas and dust clearance
- Vane structure Baer describes for heat handling and endurance
- Mill balanced, premium grade direct replacement rotor
- Chamfered cross drilled holes on the friction face
- Zinc plated finish for open-center wheel looks
- Vented, one-piece full cast cast iron construction
Caliper and drum checks
Before fitting a rotor on a 4WD truck, confirm which caliper and rear brake setup is installed. Caliper bodies differ between model years and trims, and a rotor that clears one caliper may not sit correctly against another. Looking at the caliper casting or the part markings is quicker than guessing from the model year alone.
Slotted and drilled rotors work well on trucks that tow or drive in mud, where water and grit can glaze a plain surface. Expect a short bedding period so the pad material transfers evenly. Off-road use puts extra stress on the wheel bearings and hub, so inspect those for play when the rotor is off.
- Match the rotation marking to the fitted side
- Check caliper bracket bolts for torque after the first drive
- Note the pad type used so the bedding procedure can be repeated
Specifications
| Brand | Baer Brakes |
|---|---|
| Part number | 54097-020 |
| UPC | 844165033691 |
| Sold as | Set |
| Axle | Front |
| Drive | 4WD |
| Rotor construction | 1-Piece, one piece full cast |
| Material | Cast iron |
| Solid or vented | Vented |
| Surface type | Slotted x drilled |
| Disc finish | Zinc plated |
| Brake surface | Directional |
| Outside diameter | 305.05 |
| Overall height | 66 |
| Discard thickness | 24.5 |
| Mounting bolt hole circle diameter | 114 |
| Stud/lug hole quantity | 5 |
| ABS tone ring included | No |
| Grade type | Premium |
| Emission code | 6 |
| Country of origin | CN |
Vehicle fitment
Covers 2001–2003 Ford Explorer Sport, 2001–2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 2003–2011 Ford Ranger, 2003–2008 Mazda B3000 and 2003–2009 Mazda B4000. Explorer Sport entries are 4WD with phenolic or steel piston calipers, Explorer Sport Trac entries are 4WD, Ranger is 4WD with rear drum brakes, and both Mazda entries are trucks with 9 or 10 inch rear drums.
Two-wheel-drive versions of these trucks and models with rear disc brakes fall outside those qualifiers. Confirm your vehicle’s year, model and trim before ordering.
Installation notes
The Explorer Sport entries are qualified by caliper type, so check whether your truck has phenolic or steel piston calipers before mounting. Match the rotation direction marking to the side being fitted, because the brake surface is directional.
What’s included
A pair of front rotors, sold as a set.
Not included: ABS tone ring.
