1. Inspect the dust boot on the drive shaft for cracks, damage, leaking grease, and looseness in the boot band.

2. Inspect the drive shaft for bends, cracks, and wear in the joint or splines.
Joint shaft disassembly/assembly
Drive shaft removal/installationMazda 6 Service Manual: Generator removal/installation
Warning
When the battery cables are connected, touching the vehicle body with
generator terminal B will generate sparks. This can cause personal injury, fire,
and damage to the electrical components. Always disconnect the battery negative
cables before performing the following operation.
...
Mazda 6 Service Manual: Crash zone sensor removal/installation
Warning
Handling the crash zone sensor improperly can accidentally deploy the air bag
module and pre-tensioner seat belt, which may seriously injure you. Read AIR BAG
SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS before handling the crash zone sensor. (See SERVICE
WARNINGS.)
1. Turn the ignition switch to LO ...