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: No.9 noise while operating a/c system
Diagnostic procedure
* : If there is gas leakage, air enters into the A/C system. The desiccant
within the receiver/drier absorbs the moisture from the air and becomes
saturated. If the A/C system is used in this condition, the inside of the A/C
compressor will begin to rust due to this ...
Mazda 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 ...