Wheel Bearing Play Inspection
1. Position a dial indicator against the wheel hub.

2. Push and pull the wheel hub by hand in the axial direction and measure the wheel bearing play.
Maximum wheel bearing play 0.05 mm {0.002 in}
3. If the bearing play exceeds the specification, replace and tighten the locknut to the specified torque and retest.
Rear axle
Wheel hub, hub spindle removal/installationMazda 6 Service Manual: Steering shaft inspection
1. Inspect the following.
(1) Column bearing for damage
(2) Steering shaft length
Replace the steering shaft component as necessary.
Length
211.6 mm {8.3 in}
2. Inspect the tilt and telescope operation
(1) Verify that the adjusting lever moves smoothly from unlock posit ...
Mazda 6 Service Manual: Recommendations for Shifting
Upshifting
For normal acceleration and cruising, Mazda recommends these shift points:
*1 Always observe local speed limit regulations.
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy traffic or on a steep upgrade, downshift before
the engine starts to overwork. This gives better acceleration w ...