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: Combination switch removal/installation
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the driver-side air bag module. (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
3. Remove the steering wheel. (See STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
4. Remove the column cover. (See COLUMN COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION)
5 ...
Mazda 6 Service Manual: Transmitter battery inspection
Caution
Since the battery voltage does not drop fully if the button is
pushed for only 4 seconds or less, it can not be properly examined to see
whether it is good or bad. Always push the button for 5 seconds.
Note
A correct measurement can not be obtained if the battery
temperat ...