Genuine Mazda Rear Forward Lateral Suspension Link / Arm – LH • NE51-28-550B

Genuine Mazda Rear Forward Lateral Suspension Link / Arm – Left Hand

Replacement Genuine Mazda left-hand rear suspension link for all Mazda MX-5 Mk3, Mk3.5 and Mk3.75 NC models fitted with 1.8- or 2.0-litre petrol engines.

This arm is installed on the left-hand side of the rear suspension and connects the rear hub-carrier area to the rear subframe. Mazda identifies the component as the left-hand lateral link within the rear lower-arm and subframe assembly.

The link helps locate the rear wheel and maintain the intended suspension geometry as the wheel moves through its travel. Its integral rubber bushes allow controlled movement while helping isolate vibration and road noise.

A bent arm or deteriorated bush can affect rear-wheel alignment, handling stability and tyre wear. Damage may result from impact, corrosion, seized mounting hardware or long-term deterioration of the original bushes.

One left-hand arm is fitted per vehicle, and this listing supplies one complete Genuine Mazda suspension link with its integral bushes. The matching right-hand arm is supplied separately under Mazda reference NE51-28-500B.

Side identification: Left hand refers to the vehicle’s left side when seated in the vehicle facing forwards. On a UK right-hand-drive vehicle, this is the nearside or passenger side.

• Part type: Rear forward lateral suspension link / suspension arm
• Mazda catalogue description: Link (L), Lateral
• Fitting position: Rear left
• UK position: Nearside / passenger side
• Location: Between the left-hand rear hub-carrier area and rear subframe
• Function: Helps control rear-wheel location and suspension geometry
• Integral rubber bushes: Included
• Quantity fitted per vehicle: 1 left-hand arm
• Quantity supplied: 1 complete arm
• Right-hand arm included: No
• Mounting bolts or nuts included: No
• Rear hub carrier included: No
• Rear subframe included: No
• Brand: Genuine Mazda
• Part No.: NE51-28-550B
• Earlier Mazda references: NE51-28-550 and NE51-28-550A
• Matching right-hand reference: NE51-28-500B
• MX-5 fitment: All Mk3, Mk3.5 and Mk3.75 NC models

Typical reasons for replacement:

• Integral bushes worn, split or separating from the arm
• Arm bent following kerb, pothole or accident impact
• Rear suspension knocking or clunking
• Excessive rear-wheel movement
• Rear alignment cannot be adjusted within specification
• Uneven or accelerated rear tyre wear
• Vehicle feels unstable or imprecise at the rear
• Arm or mounting sleeves heavily corroded
• Original component damaged during suspension dismantling

Fitment advice: NE51-28-550B is the left-hand link. Confirm the required side before ordering because the corresponding right-hand component has a different shape and Mazda reference.

Replacement advice: Inspect the mounting bolts, retaining nuts, subframe mounting points and hub-carrier connections before installation. A replacement arm will not correct damaged threads, distorted mounting points or structural corrosion affecting the rear subframe.

Alignment advice: A complete four-wheel alignment should be carried out after replacing the arm or disturbing its mounting hardware. Rear suspension geometry directly affects stability, handling response and tyre wear.

Bush-tightening advice: Fasteners passing through bonded rubber bushes should be finally tightened with the suspension at its normal loaded ride position, following the applicable Mazda workshop procedure. Tightening with the suspension hanging can preload the bushes and shorten their service life.

Other items to inspect: Check the matching right-hand link, rear lower control arms, upper lateral links, toe-control links, wheel bearings, dampers, springs and rear anti-roll-bar components while the suspension is accessible.

Useful tools / consumables: Suitable vehicle lifting equipment, axle stands, socket and spanner set, breaker bar, penetrating fluid, calibrated torque wrench and four-wheel alignment equipment.

Difficulty guide: DIY Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced. Access is from beneath the vehicle, and seized suspension hardware or restricted bolt clearance can make removal more involved.

Why Genuine Mazda? Genuine Mazda suspension links match the original mounting dimensions, arm geometry, bush positions and compliance characteristics. Correct geometry is essential for preserving the intended rear-wheel movement, alignment range and handling balance.

What’s in the box: One Genuine Mazda left-hand rear forward lateral suspension link with integral bushes, part number NE51-28-550B.

Installation notes: Raise and support the vehicle safely, support the rear hub assembly and remove the arm mounting hardware following the applicable Mazda workshop procedure. Clean and inspect the subframe and hub-carrier mounting points before positioning the replacement arm. Install all fasteners by hand initially and do not force misaligned bolts through the bushes. Carry out final tightening with the suspension at normal ride height where specified, then arrange a complete four-wheel alignment before normal road use.