Product Description
The RIDEX Track control arm (273C1139) is an original-equipment-quality structural suspension link manufactured by RIDEX. Positioned on the front axle chassis assembly, its primary operational function is to serve as the lower control arm (track control arm) that stabilizes the lower portion of the front strut housing. It structurally links the wheel knuckle assembly to the vehicle's crossmember, managing lateral steering forces and keeping the front wheels tracking true during hard cornering. Over time, heavy impacts from potholes, aggressive driving, or road debris exposure will split the flexible inner rubber isolation bushing and cause wear inside the ball joint socket. This leads to common suspension faults such as front-end clunking noises over bumps, a vague or wandering steering feel, brake pull, and accelerated, uneven tyre wear.
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: RIDEX
- Item Number: 273C1139 (AUTODOC ID: 14429158)
- Product Condition: New
- Component Classification: Front Axle Lower Track Control Arm / Suspension Link
- Fitting Position: Front Axle, Lower Left (Nearside / Passenger Side on RHD vehicles)
- Material: High-tensile forged stamped steel with an anti-corrosion black coating
- Length [mm]: 295
- Width [mm]: 42
- Height [mm]: 104
- Cone Size [mm]: 13
- Thread Size: M12x1.25
- Paired Product Article (Right Side): RIDEX 273C1181
Vehicle Compatibility
This classic straight track control arm profile is precision-engineered to match the iconic front suspension geometry of historic rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Ford compact passenger cars and sport coupés from the late 1960s through the late 1980s:
| Car Model / Platform | Compatible Chassis Layouts & Trims | Engine Profiles & Families | Year of Manufacture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Escort Mk1 & Mk2 (AFH, ATH) | Saloon, Estate, Estate Van, Mexico, Twin Cam, RS1600, RS1800, RS2000 | 1.1 / 1.3 / 1.6 / 2.0 (Kent Crossflow, BDA, Pinto engine configurations) |
1968 - 1980 |
| Ford Capri Mk1, Mk2 & Mk3 (ECPC, ECJ) | Classic RWD Coupé configurations (Standard, GT, Ghia, 2.8i, Laser) |
1.3 / 1.6 / 2.0 / 2.3 / 2.8i / 3.0 V6 (Crossflow, Pinto, Cologne V6, Essex V6) |
1968 - 1987 |
⚠️ Suspension Setup & Anti-Roll Bar Alignment Warning: The vintage Ford Escort and Capri front suspension layout relies on a unique design where the front anti-roll bar passes through the inner rubber bushing of this track control arm, effectively acting as the front-to-back locating link (caster arm) for the front wheel. Because the anti-roll bar bushing takes immense structural loads under acceleration and heavy braking, **never torque the control arm or anti-roll bar mounting bolts while the vehicle is suspended in the air**. The bolts must be tightened exclusively while the car is resting flat on its wheels at normal ride height (on a drive-on ramp) to avoid twisting and tearing the new rubber bush prematurely. Replacing this arm alters front wheel alignment; a professional **wheel tracking alignment** is mandatory post-installation to avoid rapid tyre scrubbing.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Reference Numbers
This premium replacement structural control arm cross-references directly with, or acts as a factory-correct swap for, the following original factory catalogue entries:
- FORD: 1460180, 1640533, 5021454, 801287, 69EB-3079-AA, 69EB3079AA, 69EB-3079-BA, 69EB3079BA
- DELPHI (Interchange Reference): TC106
- FEBI BILSTEIN (Interchange Reference): 03423, 3423
- MOOG (Interchange Reference): FD-TC-4078
- QUINTON HAZELL (Interchange Reference): QSA1012S