The invention is directed to a reduced-diameter brake rotor for heavy-duty vehicles. The rotor has a reduced diameter to enable it to be used in conjunction with reduced-diameter wheel end configurations. The rotor includes a radially-extending disc that in turn includes an inboard surface and an outboard surface, and a solid, constant cross-section between the inboard and outboard surfaces. The rotor also includes a radially-extending mounting flange for mounting the rotor to a wheel hub of the vehicle. An axially-extending sleeve is integrally formed with and extends between the disc and the mounting flange. The solid disc and other features of the rotor desirably reduce the peak temperature of the rotor by increasing its mass, reduce coning of the rotor during braking, and desirably maintain the heat transfer properties of the rotor while decreasing the brittleness and improving the hot strength of the rotor.
