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 Shift Mode
The manual shift mode gives you the feel of driving a manual transaxle vehicle
by allowing you to operate the selector lever manually. This allows you to control
engine rpm and torque to the drive wheels much like a manual transaxle when more
control is desired.
To change to manual shift mode ...
Mazda 6 Service Manual: Front wheel alignment
Specification (Unloaded)*1
Normal
Elevated*3
*1 : Engine coolant and engine oil are at specified level. Spare tire, jack
and tools are in designated position.
*2 : Difference between left and right must not exceed 1°30'.
*3 : Distance between wheel center and fender brim is 402 mm {15.8 ...