KYB 232012 Suspension Strut - Rear Left

KYB Excel-G Rear Left Suspension Strut

The KYB Excel-G 232012 is a rear left suspension strut built to restore original ride control, stability, and steering response. It is a direct OE-style replacement for select Mazda 323 and Mercury Tracer applications, with vehicle-specific damping calibrated to match factory handling characteristics.

Key Features

• KYB recommended OEM replacement strut for factory-style ride restoration
• Nitrogen gas-charged, twin-tube design for consistent damping performance
• Triple-lip fluid seal helps reduce oil and gas leakage
• Hand-assembled, vehicle-specific damping valves manage tire contact and body motion
• Strong strut body and bracket construction helps minimize flex and maintain alignment
• OE-quality components made on KYB OE assembly lines
• Part number 232012 for rear left suspension service

Product Details

KYB Excel-G is KYB’s OEA-class aftermarket line, meaning it is engineered to restore the vehicle’s original designed performance rather than change it. For Mazda 323 rear left strut replacement and Mercury Tracer rear left suspension service, this strut is calibrated to support braking stability, lane-change response, and handling balance. The 232012 uses a 12x1.50 upper mount type, with a compressed length of 21.73 inches, extended length of 29.96 inches, and stroke length of 8.23 inches.

This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts 71889 for the same application.

Vehicle Fitment

• Fits 1986-1989 Mazda 323, rear left. Recommended OEM replacement; exc. electronic adjustable suspension; Excel-G.
• Fits 1986-1989 Mazda 323, rear left. For adapting ASA to non-ASA suspension; to convert from electronic suspension, see paper catalog appendix C; Excel-G.
• Fits 1987-1989 Mercury Tracer, rear left. Replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer’s instructions; Excel-G.

What It Helps Address

• Excessive bounce or poor damping at the rear left corner
• Loose handling during lane changes and cornering
• Reduced braking stability caused by worn suspension control
• Uneven tire contact from weakened strut performance
• Noise and vibration associated with aging strut components

Installation Notes

Verify rear left fitment against the vehicle’s suspension configuration before installation. KYB recommends new strut mounts, part number SM5045, to reduce noise and vibration, and a KYB strut boot, part number SB102, to help protect the strut from dirt, debris, and salt. On Mercury Tracer applications, replace the suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Quality Assurance

KYB is a global OE supplier, and Excel-G is manufactured on the same KYB assembly lines using OE-quality components. The design is calibrated to restore factory ride control and handling characteristics for select Mazda 323 and Mercury Tracer models.