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: Automatic transaxle removal/installation
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the battery and battery tray.
3. Remove the aircleaner component. (See INTAKE-AIR SYSTEM
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
4. Remove the front tires and splash shield.
5. Remove the under cover.
6. Remove the steering gear and power steering pipe. (See ...
Mazda 6 Service Manual: Sas unit removal/installation
Warning
Handling the SAS unit improperly can accidentally deploy the air
bag modules and pre-tensioner seat belt, which may seriously injure you.
Read AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS before handling the SAS unit. (See
SERVICE WARNINGS.)
Caution
When replacing the SAS unit, config ...