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: Drive belt auto tensioner inspection
1. Remove the drive belt. (See DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT.)
2. Verify that the drive belt auto tensioner moves smoothly in the
operational direction.
Replace the drive belt auto tensioner if necessary.
3. Turn the drive belt auto tensioner pulley by hand and verify that it
rotates smoothly ...
Mazda 6 Service Manual: Stabilizer control link inspection
1. Remove the stabilizer control link from the vehicle.
2. Inspect for bending and damage.
3. Measure the ball joint starting torque.
(1) Rock the ball joint stud side to side 10 times.
(2) Rotate the ball joint stud 10 times.
(3) Measure the starting torque using a suitable
Allen socket ...