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: Manual Transaxle Shift Pattern
The shift pattern of the transaxle is conventional, as shown.
Depress the clutch pedal all the way down while shifting; then release it slowly.
Your vehicle is equipped with a device to prevent shifting to R (reverse) by mistake. Push the shift lever downward and shift to R.
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Mazda 6 Service Manual: Base removal
1. Remove the rearview mirror.
2. Wind each end of a wire around a bar.
Warning
Using a SST (piano wire) with bare hands can cause injury. Always
wear gloves when using a SST (piano wire).
Note
Use a long sawing action to spread the work over the whole length
of the SST (piano w ...