Product Description
The RIDEX Track control arm (273C0028) is an original-equipment-quality structural suspension component manufactured by RIDEX. Positioned on the front axle assembly, its primary operational function is to serve as the lower control link (wishbone) that guides the tracking and arc of movement of the front wheel hub carrier. It structurally fastens the wheel knuckle assembly to the vehicle's subframe, managing the intense lateral and longitudinal forces generated during acceleration, braking, and heavy cornering. Over tens of thousands of miles, striking potholes, dealing with road grime, and structural aging will cause the inner rubber-to-metal silent-block bushings to fatigue or split, while the lower ball joint develops internal socket play. This results in front-end clunking noises over uneven surfaces, a wandering or loose steering response, and rapid, uneven tyre wear.
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: RIDEX
- Item Number: 273C0028 (AUTODOC ID: 14741316)
- Product Condition: New
- Component Classification: Front Axle Lower Track Control Arm / Wishbone
- Fitting Position: Front Axle, Lower Left (Nearside / Passenger Side on RHD vehicles)
- Material: Stamped sheet steel treated with a black anti-corrosion layer
- Steering Type: Control Arm (Triangular wishbone layout)
-
Kit Components Included: Pre-assembled and ready for installation, comprising:
- 1x Steel wishbone arm structure
- 2x Factory-pressed vulcanized rubber isolation bushings
- 1x Integrated outer lower ball joint with dust boot and mounting hardware
- Paired Product Article (Right Side): RIDEX 273C0029
Vehicle Compatibility
This triangular lower wishbone profile is precision-engineered to match the front suspension geometry of popular front-wheel-drive (FWD) European superminis and compact family hatchbacks from the late 1990s through the 2010s:
| Car Model / Platform | Compatible Body / Chassis Styles | Engine Profiles & Families | Year of Manufacture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Fiesta Mk4 & Mk5 (JA_, JB_, JH_, JD_) | 3-door and 5-door Hatchback variants | 1.25 16V / 1.3 / 1.4 16V / 1.6 16V / 1.4 TDCi / 1.8 DI (Zetec-SE, Duratec, Endura-E, Duratorq) |
1995 - 2008 |
| Ford Puma (EC_) | Sports Coupé configurations | 1.4 16V / 1.6 16V / 1.7 16V VCT (Including standard Zetec engine platforms) |
1997 - 2002 |
| Ford Ka Mk1 (RB_) | Standard Hatchback and StreetKa/SportKa variants | 1.3 i / 1.6 i (Endura-E and Duratec OHC lines) |
1996 - 2008 |
| Mazda 2 (DY) / 121 Mk3 (JASM, JBSM) | B-segment shared global platform hatchbacks | 1.25 / 1.3 / 1.4 / 1.6 / 1.4 CD Diesel lines | 1996 - 2007 |
⚠️ Suspension Torque & Axle Alignment Warning: When installing this lower wishbone, **never fully torque down the inner bushing mounting bolts while the vehicle is raised in the air on a chassis lift**. If tightened when suspended, the rubber bushings will lock at an unnatural angle and twist destructively once the vehicle is lowered, tearing the rubber apart within a few hundred miles. The mounting bolts must be tightened to factory specification strictly while the car is resting on its wheels at normal ride height (on a drive-on ramp or alignment rack). Because changing a track control arm completely alters the front suspension tracking, a professional **laser wheel alignment** must be carried out immediately after to avoid severe tyre scrubbing.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Reference Numbers
This replacement lower left suspension wishbone cross-references directly with, or acts as a factory-correct swap for, the following original factory catalog codes:
- FORD: 1010038, 1014655, 1031114, 1054230, 1146161, 1212807, 1426698, 96FB-3051-CE, 96FB3051CE, DD32-34-350, DD3234350
- MAZDA: 1E00-34-350, 1E0034350
- DELPHI (Interchange Reference): TC834
- FEBI BILSTEIN (Interchange Reference): 17790
- MOOG (Interchange Reference): FD-WP-4114, FDWP4114
- TRW (Interchange Reference): JTC352