Pilot Bearing Inspection [G35 M R]
1. Perform the following procedures.
a. Remove the battery cover..
b. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
c. Remove the battery component. (ex: battery, battery tray and PCM component).
d. Remove the air cleaner component..
e. Remove the exhaust manifold insulator installation bolts and set the exhaust manifold insulator aside.
f. Remove the exhaust manifold bracket..
g. Remove the front splash shield..
h. Remove the aerodynamic under cover No.2..
i. Remove the starter..
j. Drain the transaxle oil into a suitable container..
k. Remove the manual transaxle..
2. Without removing the pilot bearing, turn the bearing while applying force in the axial direction.

If there is any malfunction, replace the pilot bearing..
Test yourself
A quick Mazda 3 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.