{"product_id":"rotora-hdexplorer-355x35-front-brake-system-2020-2026-ford-explorer-st","title":"Ford Explorer 2020-2026 HD Challenge Front Brake System","description":"\u003ch4\u003eComplete Front Brake System Upgrade for the 2020-2026 Ford Explorer ST 3.0L EcoBoost\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rotora HDExplorer-355x35 is a full front brake system replacement built specifically for the 2020-2026 Ford Explorer ST. This is not a rotor swap. The kit replaces the entire front brake assembly with ductile iron calipers, 355x35mm directional disc rings in your choice of Slotted or Drilled finish, 2-piece bell hats with HD float drive hardware, carbon steel caliper brackets, HD graphite-metallic brake pads, and DOT-compliant stainless steel braided brake lines. The HD Challenge series is Rotora's purpose-built solution for light-duty and medium-duty SUVs subjected to sustained towing, hauling, and off-road loads where the factory front brake system does not have the thermal capacity to perform consistently. Every component in the HDExplorer-355x35 is engineered application-specific to the Explorer ST, maintaining 100% compatibility with the stock master cylinder, ABS, and traction control with no ECU reprogramming required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComplete front brake system for 2020-2026 Ford Explorer ST including calipers, rotors, hats, brackets, pads, and brake lines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e355x35mm directional 2-piece disc rings in Slotted or Drilled finish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDuctile iron calipers with stainless steel pistons and dust boot seals for maximum stiffness and durability\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eS45C steel bell hats with stainless steel HD float drive hardware\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarbon steel (S45C) caliper brackets with full hardware\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHD graphite-metallic brake pads with enlarged pad area for higher thermal capacity and longer service life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDOT-compliant stainless steel braided brake lines for stiffer pedal feel and zero hose expansion under load\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOversize airfoil slotted discs increase brake torque, thermal mass, disc life, and cooling airflow under severe braking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e100% compatible with factory master cylinder, ABS, and traction control on 2020-2026 Explorer ST\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigher-compound pad upgrades (H6, H8, H9) available by request at time of order\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eFitment\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eYear Range\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMake\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eModel\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTrim\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2020-2026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFord\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExplorer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eST\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eValue\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePart Number\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHDExplorer-355x35\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRotora\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeries\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHD Challenge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePosition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFront Axle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDisc Diameter x Thickness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e355mm x 35mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDisc Construction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2-Piece (directional ring + bell hat)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRing Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeat-Treated, Zinc-Plated Cast Iron\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHat Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eS45C Steel with Stainless Steel HD Float Drive Hardware\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCaliper Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDuctile Iron\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePiston Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStainless Steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBracket Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarbon Steel (S45C)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIncluded Pad Compound\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHD Graphite-Metallic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrake Lines\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDOT-Compliant Stainless Steel Braided\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinish Options\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSlotted or Drilled\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eABS \/ Traction Control\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull OEM Compatible, No Recalibration Required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFitment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2020-2026 Ford Explorer ST\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUPC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eContact vendor for UPC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2x ductile iron front brake calipers with stainless steel pistons and dust boot seals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2x 355x35mm directional disc rings (Slotted or Drilled per variant selected)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2x S45C steel bell hats with stainless steel HD float drive hardware\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2x carbon steel (S45C) caliper brackets with full hardware kit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1x set HD graphite-metallic front brake pads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDOT-compliant stainless steel braided front brake lines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstallation hardware and instructions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eAbout Rotora\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRotora is a US-based manufacturer of high-performance brake systems for street, track, and severe-duty applications. The HD Challenge series was developed for light-duty and medium-duty SUVs and trucks used in demanding towing, hauling, and off-road conditions where factory brakes are not built for sustained high-load cycles. Rotora applies engineering experience gained from supplying brake systems to armored vehicle, security, and military manufacturers. Every HD Challenge system is engineered application-specific to maintain full compatibility with factory master cylinder, ABS, and traction control with no vehicle reprogramming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the HDExplorer-355x35 fit all Explorer ST years from 2020 through 2026?\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The HDExplorer-355x35 is engineered for the 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 Ford Explorer ST. All model years in this range share the same front brake architecture on the ST trim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between the Slotted and Drilled variants of the HDExplorer-355x35?\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth variants use the same 355x35mm 2-piece disc construction, ductile iron calipers, HD pads, and stainless steel brake lines. The Slotted disc features directional curved slots that continuously vent gas and clean the pad surface under hard braking. The Drilled disc adds cross-drilled holes for greater heat venting and a more aggressive appearance. For primarily street and towing use, the Slotted disc offers greater durability under repeated severe-load braking. The Drilled disc suits mixed street and track use where maximum heat venting is a priority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a front rotor replacement only, or a complete front brake system?\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a complete front brake system replacement. The HDExplorer-355x35 includes ductile iron calipers, 355x35mm disc rings, 2-piece bell hats, caliper brackets, HD graphite-metallic brake pads, and stainless steel braided brake lines. Nothing from the factory front brake assembly is reused. It is not a rotor-only upgrade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the front system require any ECU programming or dealer recalibration?\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. The HDExplorer-355x35 is 100% compatible with the factory master cylinder, ABS, and traction control on the 2020-2026 Explorer ST. No dealer visit, scan tool programming, or ECU recalibration is required. Note: unlike the rear system, the front does not involve an electric parking brake and requires no EPBB module.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eIs the HDExplorer-355x35 paired with a rear system?\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The matching rear system for the 2020-2026 Explorer ST is the HDExplorer-355x29, which uses 355x29mm discs and includes the EPBB module for the rear electric parking brake. Both systems can be installed together for a full front-to-rear HD Challenge brake upgrade on the Explorer ST.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eWill the HDExplorer-355x35 fit non-ST Explorer trims?\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe HDExplorer-355x35 is engineered for the Explorer ST only. The ST uses a specific front brake caliper and rotor package that differs from other Explorer trims. Confirm with Rotora before ordering for any non-ST Explorer, as caliper clearance and bracket fitment are not guaranteed across other trim levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eAre upgraded brake pad compounds available for severe towing or track use?\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The HDExplorer-355x35 includes HD graphite-metallic pads as standard. Rotora offers H6 Street Track, H8 Track Race, and H9 Race compound upgrades for applications requiring greater thermal capacity. Specify your compound preference at time of order through Black Ops Auto Works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the lead time for the HDExplorer-355x35?\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe HD Challenge system is built to order. Lead time is typically 4-6 weeks from order confirmation. Ships via UPS Ground or FedEx Ground in heavy-duty foam-lined packaging due to the oversize nature of the brake components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eIs a bed-in procedure required after installation?\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. A proper bed-in procedure is required after installing new calipers, rotors, and pads to seat all components and transfer an even pad deposit layer onto the rotor surface. Perform the bed-in on a safe, open surface before any towing or aggressive driving. Follow the Rotora bed-in procedure included in the HDExplorer-355x35 documentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eInstallation Notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSafely lift and support the Explorer ST at the front axle. Remove both front wheels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemove the factory front caliper and bracket assembly. Suspend the caliper with a wire hook and do not allow it to hang by the brake hose. Photograph the brake line routing before disconnecting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemove the factory front rotor from the hub. Clean the hub flange surface of rust and debris before mounting the new disc assembly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstall the Rotora caliper bracket with the supplied hardware. Torque to specification.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstall the 355x35mm 2-piece disc ring and bell hat assembly onto the hub. Verify the directional orientation of each rotor per Rotora's left and right markings before tightening.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstall the Rotora ductile iron caliper onto the bracket. Connect the stainless steel braided brake line and torque all fittings to specification.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstall the HD graphite-metallic front brake pads with all hardware clips fully seated in the caliper bracket.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBleed the front brake circuit completely to purge all air from the new calipers and brake lines. Verify firm pedal feel before reinstalling wheels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReinstall wheels and torque lug nuts to specification. Lower the vehicle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerform Rotora's recommended bed-in procedure on a safe, open surface before returning the vehicle to service or towing use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWARNING:\u003c\/strong\u003e This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and phthalates, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rotora","offers":[{"title":"Slotted \/ Black","offer_id":40647740260431,"sku":"HDExplorer-355x35","price":3095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Slotted \/ Silver","offer_id":46029133414479,"sku":null,"price":3095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Slotted \/ Blue","offer_id":46029133447247,"sku":null,"price":3095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Slotted \/ Yellow","offer_id":46029133480015,"sku":null,"price":3095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Slotted \/ Red","offer_id":46029133512783,"sku":null,"price":3095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Slotted \/ White","offer_id":46029133545551,"sku":null,"price":3095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Slotted \/ Green","offer_id":46029133578319,"sku":null,"price":3095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Slotted \/ Light blue","offer_id":46029133611087,"sku":null,"price":3095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Slotted \/ Orange","offer_id":46029133643855,"sku":null,"price":3095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Drilled \/ Black","offer_id":40647740293199,"sku":"HDExplorer-355x35","price":3095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Drilled \/ Silver","offer_id":46029133676623,"sku":null,"price":3095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Drilled \/ Blue","offer_id":46029133709391,"sku":null,"price":3095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Drilled \/ Yellow","offer_id":46029133742159,"sku":null,"price":3095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Drilled \/ Red","offer_id":46029133774927,"sku":null,"price":3095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Drilled \/ White","offer_id":46029133807695,"sku":null,"price":3095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Drilled \/ Green","offer_id":46029133840463,"sku":null,"price":3095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Drilled \/ Light blue","offer_id":46029133873231,"sku":null,"price":3095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Drilled \/ Orange","offer_id":46029133905999,"sku":null,"price":3095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1062\/7920\/files\/Rotora_Big_Brake_Kit_view.png?v=1783532926","url":"https:\/\/www.blackopsautoworks.com\/products\/rotora-hdexplorer-355x35-front-brake-system-2020-2026-ford-explorer-st","provider":"Black Ops Auto Works","version":"1.0","type":"link"}