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: Schedule 1
U.S.A. and Puerto Rico residents - Engine oil flexible maintenance interval
Use when the maintenance monitor for “Oil Change” is set to “Flexible”. For
details, see maintenance monitor.
Chart symbols:
I: Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fill up, or replace if necessary.
T: ...
Mazda 6 Service Manual: Trunk Lid
WARNING
Never allow a person to ride in the trunk: Allowing a person to ride
in the trunk is dangerous. The person in the trunk could be seriously injured or
killed during sudden braking or a collision.
Do not drive with the trunk lid open: Exhaust gas in the cabin of a vehicle
is dangerous. ...