Intermediate Shaft: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mazda 626. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Verify that the intermediate shaft is not twisted or cracked. Replace it as necessary.
Turn the intermediate shaft by hand and verify that the bearing rotates smoothly and freely. See Fig 1 . Replace it as necessary.

Fig 1: Inspecting Intermediate Shaft

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.