Overview
The Baer Brakes 55054-020 is a set of front Claw performance rotors for Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and EXT, Chevrolet Astro, Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe, and GMC Safari, Savana, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL models from 2000 to 2008. Baer sells the pair as direct replacement rotors, so each one takes the place of the factory front disc.
The friction surface is slotted and cross-drilled. The openings let gases and dust escape from between the pad and rotor during braking, which supports a more consistent pedal feel and reduced brake fade. Each rotor is zinc-plated, a finish suited to open-center wheels where the rotor face is visible.
Key features
- Slotted and cross-drilled friction surface that lets gases and dust escape between the pad and rotor
- Enhanced vane structure that Baer describes for cooling and durability
- Premium, mill balanced, direct replacement rotor
- Chamfered cross-drilled holes intended to minimize stress cracking
- Zinc-plated finish for open-center wheel designs
- Vented, one-piece full cast cast iron construction
Pad and rotor pairing
Pad choice affects how a slotted and drilled rotor performs. Softer compounds can wear faster on a hard-faced rotor, while a pad rated for the expected heat load helps keep the friction surface stable. Bedding in new pads gradually lets a transfer layer form on the rotor, which is what gives consistent stopping under repeated use.
Heavier trucks and SUVs in this range carry more heat into the front brakes, especially on long downhill runs or when towing. Vented one-piece rotors shed that heat better than solid discs, but the vanes still need clean airflow over the hub to work well. Keep the wheel bearings and caliper slides in good order, since sticking hardware can load one side of the rotor unevenly.
- Replace pads and rotors as a pair on each axle
- Check the friction face for heat cracks after hard use
- Clean the hub face before mounting to prevent runout
Specifications
| Brand | Baer Brakes |
|---|---|
| Part number | 55054-020 |
| UPC | 844165000341 |
| Sold as | Set |
| Axle | Front |
| 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 | 304.8 |
| Overall height | 29 |
| Discard thickness | 27.2 |
| Mounting bolt hole circle diameter | 140 |
| Stud/lug hole quantity | 6 |
| ABS tone ring included | No |
| Grade type | Premium |
| Emission code | 6 |
| Country of origin | CN |
Vehicle fitment
The manufacturer fitment list covers these front applications: 2002–2006 Cadillac Escalade, 2003–2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 2002–2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT, 2003–2005 Chevrolet Astro, 2002–2006 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500, 2003–2008 Chevrolet Express 1500, 2003–2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SS, 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Classic, 2000–2004 Chevrolet Suburban 2500, 2000–2006 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2003–2005 GMC Safari, 2003–2008 GMC Savana 1500, 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 Classic, 2000–2006 GMC Yukon and 2000–2006 GMC Yukon XL 1500.
Other years of the Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 are not on the manufacturer list, and the Classic entries cover the 2007 body style only. Confirm your vehicle’s year, model and trim before ordering.
Installation notes
The ABS tone ring is not included, so the tone ring already on the hub has to stay in use. The brake surface is directional, so match the rotation marking on each rotor to the side of the vehicle being fitted.
What’s included
A pair of front rotors, sold as a set.
Not included: ABS tone ring.
