Overview
The Baer Brakes 54098-020 is a pair of rear Claw performance rotors for the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport and the 2003–2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Each rotor is a solid, one-piece full-cast cast iron disc with an outside diameter of 300.99 and an overall height of 58.42.
The slotted and cross-drilled face is meant to route gas and dust away from the pad interface, which supports a steadier pedal feel during braking. The holes are chamfered to reduce stress cracking, and the zinc-plated finish suits open-center wheels. The Explorer Sport entry depends on caliper type, so the steel or phenolic piston qualifier matters, while the Sport Trac is covered in both 2WD and 4WD.
Key features
- Solid rear rotor with a directional braking surface
- Slotted and cross-drilled friction face
- Chamfered holes intended to reduce stress cracking
- Zinc-plated disc finish
- Premium grade cast iron with one-piece full-cast build
Before you buy
Rear rotors work with the pads and caliper to slow the wheel each time you brake. Over time the friction face wears, and heat, moisture and road debris speed that up. A rotor worn below its discard thickness can cause pulsation, longer stopping distances and noise, so measure it before reinstalling. Check the thickness with a micrometer during every rear brake job.
Slotted and cross-drilled faces help clear gas and debris, but they can also wear pads faster in some driving. Choose pads rated for how you actually drive, whether street, towing or trail. Mismatched pads and rotors can reduce pedal feel, so replace them as a matched set where possible.
Because the rotor sits behind the wheel, inspect the hub face, wheel bearing play and caliper slide pins while the wheel is off. Clean the hub mating surface before mounting so the rotor sits flat. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern and recheck them after the first few drives.
- Measure thickness before reinstalling
- Inspect caliper slide pins for smooth movement
- Replace pads and rotors together when wear is uneven
- Check the hub surface for rust or runout
Specifications
| Brand | Baer Brakes |
|---|---|
| Part number | 54098-020 |
| UPC | 844165033707 |
| Axle | Rear |
| Rotor construction | One piece, full cast, solid |
| Material | Cast iron |
| Surface type | Slotted and cross-drilled |
| Disc finish | Zinc plated |
| Brake surface | Directional |
| Outside diameter | 300.99 |
| Overall height | 58.42 |
| Discard thickness | 10.92 |
| Mounting bolt hole circle diameter | 114 |
| Stud/lug hole quantity | 5 |
| Drive | 2WD, 4WD |
| ABS tone ring included | No |
| Grade type | Premium |
| Emission code | 6 |
| Sold as | Set |
| Country of origin | CN |
Vehicle fitment
This rear rotor fits the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport with a phenolic or steel piston caliper, and the 2003–2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac in 2WD and 4WD.
Not covered: standard Explorer models that are not the Sport, Explorer Sport models with other caliper types, and Explorer Sport Trac years outside 2003–2005. Confirm your vehicle’s year, model and trim before ordering.
Installation notes
The Explorer Sport fitment is tied to a steel or phenolic piston caliper, so identify the caliper before starting. This is a solid rear rotor, and no ABS tone ring is included. Lift and secure the vehicle, then pull the wheel before starting rear brake work.
What’s included
A pair of rear Claw performance rotors.
Not included: the ABS tone ring and brake pads are not part of this set.
