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: Front buckle removal/installation
1. Perform the following procedure for vehicles with seat belt warning.
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Remove the front seat.
(3) Disconnect the buckle switch connector.
2. Perform the following procedure for vehicles without seat belt warning.
(1) Remove the console.
...
Mazda 6 Service Manual: Shroud panel removal/installation
1. Remove the bonnet. (See BONNET REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
2. Remove the front bumper. (See FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
3. Remove the front combination light. (See FRONT COMBINATION LIGHT
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
4. Remove the front bumper reinforcement. (See BUMPER REINFORCEMENT
REMOVAL/ ...