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: Driving on Uneven Road
Your vehicle's suspension and underbody can be damaged if driven on rough/uneven
roads or over speed bumps at excessive speeds. Use care and reduce speed when traveling
on rough/uneven roads or over speed bumps.
Use care not to damage the vehicle's underbody, bumpers or muffler(s) when driving ...
Mazda 6 Service Manual: Transaxle range (tr) switch removal/installation
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the air cleaner component. (See INTAKE-AIR SYSTEM
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
Caution
Water or foreign objects entering the connector can cause a poor
connection or corrosion. Be sure not to drop water or foreign objects on the
connector w ...