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: Rear wheel alignment
Specification (Unloaded)*1
Normal
Elevated*3
*1 : Engine coolant and engine oil are at specified level. Spare tire, jack
and tools are in designated position.
*2 : Difference between left and right must not exceed 1°30'.
*3 : Distance between wheel center and fender brim is 392 mm {15.4 ...
Mazda 6 Service Manual: Reporting Safety Defects (U.S.A.)
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could
cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mazda Motor Corporation (Your
Mazda Importer/Distributor).
If NHTSA receive ...