Genuine Mazda Rear Toe-Control Link / Toe Arm – LH/RH • NE51-28-45XB

Genuine Mazda Rear Toe-Control Link / Toe Arm – Left or Right

Replacement Genuine Mazda rear toe-control 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 suspension link is fitted in the rear lower-outer position between the rear hub carrier and subframe. It helps locate the rear wheel and maintain the specified rear toe angle as the suspension moves through its travel.

Rear toe describes the direction in which each rear wheel points relative to the vehicle centreline. Correct toe geometry is important for straight-line stability, predictable handling and even tyre wear.

The same component is used on both the left- and right-hand sides. Two links are fitted per vehicle, while this listing supplies one complete Genuine Mazda toe-control link with its integral bushes.

Supersession information: NE51-28-45XB is the current Mazda service part and supersedes the earlier NE51-28-45XA link used on early-production NC vehicles.

Side information: NE51-28-45XB is not handed. The same Mazda reference fits either the rear-left or rear-right suspension position.

• Part type: Rear toe-control link / toe arm
• Common names: Rear toe rod / outer tie rod / lower outer suspension link
• Mazda catalogue description: Link, Toe Control
• Fitting position: Rear lower outer
• Side application: Left or right
• Location: Between the rear hub carrier and rear subframe
• Function: Helps control rear-wheel toe and suspension geometry
• Integral bushes: Included
• Quantity fitted per vehicle: 2
• Quantity supplied: 1 complete toe-control link
• Opposite-side link included: No
• Mounting bolts or nuts included: No
• Rear hub carrier included: No
• Rear subframe included: No
• Brand: Genuine Mazda
• Part No.: NE51-28-45XB
• Previous Mazda reference: NE51-28-45XA
• 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
• Excessive movement detected during suspension inspection
• Rear suspension knocking or clunking
• Rear toe cannot be adjusted within specification
• Uneven or accelerated rear tyre wear
• Vehicle feels unstable or imprecise at the rear
• Arm bent following kerb, pothole or accident impact
• Arm or mounting sleeves heavily corroded
• Original component damaged during suspension dismantling

Quantity advice: Two identical toe-control links are fitted per vehicle, one on each side. This listing supplies one link per order quantity.

Fitment advice: Confirm that the required component is the rear lower-outer toe-control link. The MX-5 NC uses several differently shaped rear suspension arms with separate Mazda references.

Supersession advice: Early NC vehicles originally fitted with NE51-28-45XA can use the current NE51-28-45XB replacement. When replacing only one side, inspect the condition of the opposite link because both components are exposed to similar mileage and road conditions.

Replacement advice: Inspect the mounting bolt, pinch bolt, retaining nuts, rear-subframe mounting point and hub-carrier connection before installation. A replacement link will not correct damaged threads, distorted mounting points or structural corrosion affecting the subframe or hub carrier.

Alignment advice: A complete four-wheel alignment is required after replacing the toe-control link or disturbing its mounting hardware. Rear toe that is outside specification can cause instability and rapid tyre wear.

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

Other items to inspect: Check the corresponding toe link on the opposite side, rear lateral links, trailing arms, hub-carrier bushes, 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 corrosion around the outer mounting point can make removal more involved.

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

What’s in the box: One Genuine Mazda rear toe-control link with integral bushes, suitable for either side, part number NE51-28-45XB.

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