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.6 windshield fogged
When performing an asterisked (*) troubleshooting inspection, shake the
wiring harness and connectors while doing the inspection to discover whether
poor contact points are the cause of any intermittent malfunctions. If there
is a problem, check to make sure connectors, terminals and wir ...
Mazda 6 Service Manual: Bonnet removal/installation
Warning
Removing the bonnet without supporting can be dangerous. The
bonnet may fall and injure you. Always perform the following procedure with
at least another person.
1. Disconnect the windshield washer hose.
2. To remove the bonnet hinge, remove the front fender panel.
3. To remov ...