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: Mounting the Spare Tire
1. Remove dirt and grime from the mounting surfaces of the wheel and hub, including
the hub bolts, with a cloth.
WARNING
Make sure the mounting surfaces of the wheel, hub and lug nuts are clean
before changing or replacing tires: When changing or replacing a tire, not
removing dirt and gri ...
Mazda 6 Service Manual: Floor covering
FRONT FLOOR COVERING REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the front seats. (See FRONT SEAT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
3. Remove the rear seat.
4. Remove the front scuff plates.
5. Remove the rear scuff plates.
6. Remove the console.
7. Remove the front side tri ...