1. Verify that the joint shaft is not twisted or cracked.
2. Turn the joint shaft by hand and verify that the bearing rotates smoothly and freely.

Drive shaft
Joint shaft removal/installationMazda 6 Service Manual: Combination switch removal/installation
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the driver-side air bag module. (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
3. Remove the steering wheel. (See STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
4. Remove the column cover. (See COLUMN COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION)
5 ...
Mazda 6 Service Manual: Control valve body removal
On-Vehicle Removal
Warning
Using compressed air can cause dirt and other particles to fly
out, causing injury to the eyes. Wear protective eyes whenever using
compressed air.
Caution
Clean the transaxle exterior throughout with a steam cleaner or
cleaning solvents before removal ...