Genuine Mazda Rear Forward Lateral Suspension Link / Trailing Arm – RH • NE51-28-500B

Genuine Mazda Rear Forward Lateral Suspension Link / Trailing Arm – Right Hand

Replacement Genuine Mazda right-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 right-hand side of the rear suspension and connects the rear hub carrier to the rear subframe. Mazda describes the component as the right-hand lateral link within the rear lower-arm and subframe assembly.

The arm helps locate the rear wheel in the fore-and-aft direction and contributes to maintaining the intended rear suspension geometry as the wheel moves through its travel. Its integral rubber bushes permit controlled suspension movement while isolating vibration and road noise.

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

One right-hand arm is fitted per vehicle, and this listing supplies one complete Genuine Mazda suspension link with its integral bushes. The corresponding left-hand arm is supplied separately under Mazda reference NE51-28-550B.

Side identification: Right hand refers to the vehicle’s right side when seated in the vehicle facing forwards. On a UK right-hand-drive vehicle, this is the offside or driver’s side.

• Part type: Rear forward lateral suspension link / trailing arm
• Mazda catalogue description: Link (R), Lateral
• Fitting position: Rear right
• UK position: Offside / driver’s side
• Location: Between the right-hand rear hub carrier and rear subframe
• Function: Helps control rear-wheel fore-and-aft position and suspension geometry
• Integral rubber bushes: Included
• Quantity fitted per vehicle: 1 right-hand arm
• Quantity supplied: 1 complete arm
• Left-hand arm included: No
• Mounting bolts or nuts included: No
• Rear hub carrier included: No
• Rear subframe included: No
• Brand: Genuine Mazda
• Part No.: NE51-28-500B
• Earlier Mazda references: NE51-28-500 and NE51-28-500A
• Matching left-hand reference: NE51-28-550B
• 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: NE51-28-500B is the right-hand forward lateral link. Confirm the required side before ordering, as the corresponding left-hand component has a different shape and Mazda reference.

Replacement advice: Inspect the arm mounting bolts, retaining nuts, subframe mounting points and hub-carrier bushes before installation. A replacement arm will not correct damaged mounting threads, a distorted hub carrier or 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 can affect straight-line stability, steering response and tyre wear.

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

Other items to inspect: Check the matching left-hand arm, 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 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 arms 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 right-hand rear forward lateral suspension link / trailing arm with integral bushes, part number NE51-28-500B.

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 full four-wheel alignment before normal road use.