Genuine Mazda Rear Trailing Arm / Lower Knuckle Bush • NE51-28-430

Genuine Mazda NE51-28-430 Rear Trailing Arm / Lower Knuckle Bush

Replacement Genuine Mazda rear trailing-arm bush for Mazda MX-5 Mk3, Mk3.5 and Mk3.75 NC models with 1.8 or 2.0 petrol engines.

This rubber suspension bush is pressed into the lower section of the rear wheel knuckle, hub carrier or upright. It forms the compliant mounting point between the rear trailing link and knuckle.

The bush allows the suspension to move through its designed travel while controlling unwanted fore-and-aft movement of the rear wheel. Its condition contributes to rear-wheel location, suspension refinement and stable handling.

Unlike most of the rear suspension bushes on the MX-5 NC, which are integrated into complete suspension arms, this bush is installed directly into the rear knuckle and can be replaced separately.

The same bush fits either the left- or right-hand rear side. One bush is fitted to each rear knuckle, giving two per vehicle. This listing supplies one Genuine Mazda bush, so select a quantity of two when replacing both sides.

• Part type: Rear trailing-arm suspension bush
• Common names: Lower knuckle bush / rear upright bush / trailing-link bush
• Mazda catalogue description: Bush, Rubber – Trailing Link
• Location: Lower section of the rear suspension knuckle
• Function: Connects the rear trailing link to the wheel knuckle
• Position: Left- or right-hand rear
• Handed component: No
• Quantity fitted per vehicle: 2
• Quantity supplied: 1 bush
• Rear knuckle included: No
• Trailing arm included: No
• Mounting bolt or nut included: No
• Brand: Genuine Mazda
• Part No.: NE51-28-430
• Also referenced as: NE5128430
• MX-5 fitment: Mk3, Mk3.5 and Mk3.75 NC models

Possible signs of a worn rear knuckle bush:

• Knocking or clunking from the rear suspension
• Visible cracking or separation of the rubber
• Excess movement between the trailing link and knuckle
• Imprecise or unstable rear-end handling
• Rear-wheel movement during acceleration or braking
• Uneven or accelerated rear tyre wear
• Difficulty maintaining correct rear-wheel alignment
• Damage caused during rear-knuckle or suspension-arm removal

Fitment advice: This bush fits the lower trailing-link mounting point in either rear knuckle. Confirm that the vehicle retains the original Mazda NC rear knuckles and suspension arrangement where replacement hubs, modified arms or alternative suspension assemblies have been installed.

Other items to consider: Inspect the bush on the opposite side, rear trailing links, lateral arms, toe-control links, wheel bearings, knuckles and all associated mounting and alignment hardware. Replace any bolt, nut or eccentric washer that is seized, distorted or heavily corroded.

Useful tools / consumables: Hydraulic press or suitable bush-removal tool, correctly sized support sleeves, socket and spanner set, breaker bar, calibrated torque wrench, penetrating fluid, suspension support equipment and suitable assembly lubricant where permitted by the Mazda procedure.

Difficulty guide: DIY Difficulty: Advanced. The rear suspension must be dismantled sufficiently to access and support the knuckle. The old bush must be pressed out and the replacement installed squarely without damaging the knuckle or bush casing.

Why Genuine Mazda? Genuine Mazda suspension bushes are manufactured to match the original outer casing, inner sleeve, rubber stiffness and knuckle interference fit. Correct dimensions and compliance help maintain the intended rear-wheel control and suspension movement.

What’s in the box: One Genuine Mazda rear trailing-arm / lower knuckle bush, part number NE51-28-430.

Installation notes: Raise and support the vehicle safely, then support the rear knuckle before disconnecting the trailing link and any additional components required for access. Record the original position of alignment hardware before removal. Support the knuckle directly around the bush housing and press the old bush out using correctly sized tooling. Clean and inspect the bore, then press the replacement bush in squarely and to the original depth and orientation. Reassemble the suspension and final-tighten fasteners passing through bonded rubber bushes with the suspension positioned at the specified normal ride height. Carry out a complete four-wheel alignment after installation.