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: Inboard combination light removal/installation
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the trunk lid trim (liftgate lower trim). (See TRUNK LID TRIM
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION) (See LIFTGATE LOWER TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION)
3. Remove in the order indicated in the table.
4. Install in the reverse order of removal.
Inboard Combinat ...