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 removal/installation
1. Remove the battery, battery tray and battery bracket.
2. Remove the air cleaner compornent. (See INTAKE-AIR SYSTEM
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
3. Remove the wheels, tires and splash shields.
4. Remove the under cover.
5. Remove the steering gear and power steering pipe. (See STEERING GEAR AND
...
Mazda 6 Service Manual: General procedures
PRECAUTION (SUSPENSION)
Wheels and Tires Removal/Installation
When a wheel is installed, tighten it to 88-118 N·m {9.0-12.0 kgf·m,
65.0-87.0 ft·lbf}.
Suspension Links Removal/Installation
Tighten any part of the suspension that uses rubber bushings only after the
vehicle has been lowered ...