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: Owner Maintenance Precautions
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle inspections
at the indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or qualified
service technician as soon as possible.
At Least Twice a Year (For ...
Mazda 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 ...