Genuine Mazda Rear Upper Lateral Suspension Link – LH • NE51-28-650B

Genuine Mazda Rear Upper Lateral Suspension Link – Left Hand

Replacement Genuine Mazda left-hand rear upper lateral 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 in the left-hand rear suspension assembly, connecting the rearward upper area of the hub carrier to the rear subframe. Mazda identifies the component as the left-hand lateral link at the rear side of the rear suspension assembly.

The link helps locate the rear wheel laterally and contributes to maintaining the intended camber, wheel position and suspension geometry as the wheel moves through its travel.

The complete arm is supplied with its integral suspension joints and bushes. These allow controlled articulation while helping isolate road noise and vibration from the vehicle body.

One left-hand arm is fitted per vehicle, and this listing supplies one complete Genuine Mazda suspension link. The corresponding right-hand arm is supplied separately under Mazda reference NE51-28-600B.

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 upper lateral suspension link
• Common names: Rear upper suspension arm / upper lateral arm / rear camber link
• Mazda catalogue description: Link (L), Lateral – Rear Side
• Fitting position: Rear left
• UK position: Nearside / passenger side
• Suspension position: Rearward upper link
• Location: Between the left-hand rear hub carrier and rear subframe
• Function: Helps control lateral wheel location and rear suspension geometry
• Integral joints and 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.: NE51-28-650B
• Matching right-hand reference: NE51-28-600B
• MX-5 fitment: All Mk3, Mk3.5 and Mk3.75 NC models

Typical reasons for replacement:

• Integral bush or joint worn, split or loose
• Arm bent following kerb, pothole or accident impact
• Rear suspension knocking or clunking
• Excessive movement at the rear wheel
• Rear-wheel camber or alignment outside 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: NE51-28-650B is the left-hand rearward upper lateral link. Confirm the required side and suspension position before ordering, as the other rear arms have different shapes and Mazda references.

Replacement advice: Inspect the mounting bolts, retaining nuts, rear-subframe mounting points and hub-carrier connection 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. Changes to this link can affect rear camber, wheel position, handling stability 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 specified by Mazda. Tightening with the suspension hanging can preload the bushes and shorten their service life.

Other items to inspect: Check the matching right-hand upper lateral link, upper trailing links, lower 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 links match the original mounting dimensions, arm geometry, joint positions and compliance characteristics. Correct geometry is essential for maintaining the intended rear-wheel movement, alignment range and handling balance.

What’s in the box: One Genuine Mazda left-hand rear upper lateral suspension link, part number NE51-28-650B.

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 joints or bushes. Carry out final tightening at normal ride height where specified, then arrange a complete four-wheel alignment before normal road use.