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: Schedule 1
U.S.A. and Puerto Rico residents - Engine oil flexible maintenance interval
Use when the maintenance monitor for “Oil Change” is set to “Flexible”. For
details, see maintenance monitor.
Chart symbols:
I: Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fill up, or replace if necessary.
T: ...
Mazda 6 Service Manual: Shroud panel removal/installation
1. Remove the bonnet. (See BONNET REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
2. Remove the front bumper. (See FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
3. Remove the front combination light. (See FRONT COMBINATION LIGHT
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
4. Remove the front bumper reinforcement. (See BUMPER REINFORCEMENT
REMOVAL/ ...