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: Clock spring inspection
1. Remove the clock spring.
2. Inspect for continuity between the clock spring terminals using an
ohmmeter.
If not as specified, replace the clock spring.
Note
When the vehicle-side connector of clock spring is disconnected,
the terminals 1A,1B, 1C and 1D are shorted to prevent ...
Mazda 6 Service Manual: Interior
Front
Rear
...