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: Turning the Engine Off
WARNINGDo not stop the engine while the vehicle is moving: Stopping the
engine while the vehicle is moving for any reason other than in an emergency is
dangerous. Stopping the engine while the vehicle is moving will result in reduced
braking ability due to the loss of power braking, which coul ...
Mazda 6 Service Manual: Rear bumper removal/installation
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the rear combination light.
3. Remove in the order indicated in the table.
4. Install in the reverse order of removal.
Rear Bumper Removal Note
Pull the rear bumper ends (wheel arch) outward to disengage with the bumper
slider.
Cautio ...