Genuine Mazda Rear Lower Forward Trailing Link / Control Arm – Left or Right
Replacement Genuine Mazda rear lower 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 suspension arm is fitted in the lower-forward position of the rear suspension assembly, linking the rear hub-carrier area to the rear subframe. Mazda identifies the component as a rear trailing link within the rear lower-arm and subframe assembly.
The arm helps locate the rear wheel and control its movement relative to the subframe as the suspension travels. Its fitted rubber bushes permit controlled articulation while helping isolate road noise and vibration from the vehicle body.
The same component is used on both the left- and right-hand sides. Two arms are fitted per vehicle, while this listing supplies one complete Genuine Mazda arm. Order a quantity of two when replacing both sides.
Side information: NE51-28-200A is not handed. The same Mazda reference fits either the rear-left or rear-right lower-forward suspension position.
- Part type: Rear lower forward trailing link / control arm
- Common names: Rear lower arm / trailing link / suspension control arm
- Mazda catalogue description: Link, Trailing
- Fitting position: Rear lower forward
- Side application: Left or right
- Location: Between the rear hub-carrier area and rear subframe
- Function: Helps locate the rear wheel and control suspension movement
- Integral bushes: Included
- Quantity fitted per vehicle: 2
- Quantity supplied: 1 complete arm
- Opposite-side arm included: No
- Mounting bolts or nuts included: No
- Rear hub carrier included: No
- Rear subframe included: No
- Brand: Genuine Mazda
- Part No.: NE51-28-200A
- 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
- Rear suspension knocking or clunking
- Excessive movement at a rear wheel
- Arm bent following kerb, pothole or accident impact
- Rear-wheel alignment outside specification
- Uneven or accelerated rear tyre wear
- Vehicle feels unstable or imprecise at the rear
- Arm or bush sleeves heavily corroded
- Original component damaged during suspension dismantling
Quantity advice: Two identical arms are fitted per vehicle, one on each side. This listing supplies one arm per order quantity.
Fitment advice: Confirm that the required component is the lower-forward rear trailing link. The MX-5 NC uses several differently shaped rear suspension arms, each with its own Mazda reference.
Replacement advice: Inspect the mounting bolts, retaining nuts, rear-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 subframe or hub carrier.
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 where required by the Mazda workshop procedure. Tightening with the suspension hanging can preload the bushes and shorten their service life.
Other items to inspect: Check the corresponding arm on the opposite side, rear upper links, lateral arms, toe-control links, 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 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 helps preserve the intended rear-wheel movement, alignment range, ride quality and handling balance.
What’s in the box: One Genuine Mazda rear lower forward trailing link / control arm with fitted bushes, part number NE51-28-200A.
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 at normal ride height where specified, then arrange a complete four-wheel alignment before normal road use.
| Make | Model | Sub Variant | Chassis / Code | Years | Power (PS) | Engine Codes | Fuel | Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda | MX-5 | Mk3 NC1 – 1.8 / 2.0 / 2.0 Sport | NC / NCEC | 2005–2009 | 126–160 | L8-VE / LF-VE | Petrol | Manual / Automatic | Rear lower-forward trailing link; same component fits left or right; includes fitted bushes; two required per vehicle |
| Mazda | MX-5 | Mk3.5 / Mk3.75 NC2/NC3 – 1.8 / 2.0 / 2.0 Sport | NC / NCEC | 2009–2015 | 126–160 | L8-VE / LF-VE | Petrol | Manual / Automatic | Rear lower-forward trailing link; same component fits left or right; includes fitted bushes; two required per vehicle |
| Vehicle Manufacturer | OEM Reference Number |
|---|---|
| Mazda | NE51-28-200A |