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: Pcv valve inspection
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the intake maniforld.(see INTAKE-AIR SYSTEM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
3. Remove the PCV valve.
4. Blow through the valve and verify that air flows as specified.
If not as specified, replace the PCV valve.
Specification
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Mazda 6 Service Manual: No.4 air intake mode does not change
When performing an asterisked (*) troubleshooting inspection, shake the
wiring harness and connectors while performing the inspection to discover
whether poor contact points are the cause of any intermittent malfunctions.
If there is a problem, check to make sure connectors, terminal ...