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: Operation
NOTE
The engine may not start and security indicator light may illuminate
or flash if the key is placed in an area where it is difficult for the system
to detect the signal, such as on the dashboard or in the glove compartment.
Move the key to a location within the signal range, switch ...