I'm wondering if anyone else has had grinding and clicking coming from the rear right or a 2012 CX9 sport AWD. Could it be the bearing, cv axle, or differential? hard to diagnose myself without being able to spin the rear axle.

 

Sounds and other noises clicks , bangs , ext., that happen under a vehicle can be very misleading where you think they are coming from and what they are. Your Mazda should be looked at by a shop that has 2 types of vehicle lifts or hoists , one being a conventional ramp type and the other a drop hoist that raises the vehicle from the frame allowing the suspension to drop. These are the best tools to properly located the sounds .

 

Thank you for responding. I did a little diagnosis. I jacked up the rear passenger side, took the wheel and caliper off. brakes and caliper are fine and were not loose. Bearing hub ***'y was replaced 4 yrs ago (30k miles) and I have to assume its ok. The hub will not turn freely and when it does, there is a loud clicking. I put it all back together and made an appt with a mechanic friend. Waiting to find out what this will cost me.

 

A good place to consider would have been Firestone. At least they would give you an estimate for the service tell you what is wrong. But it would be a basic hour, and your states average hourly rate for shops?
Example:

Here in my area the service shop rate non-dealership is 150-175. Dealerships 170-225 this is per hour.
However some service shop like us will reduce by 50% of the basic diagnostic fee if the work is done to correct the problem in our shop. So keep that in mind as a barging chip should you decide after you get the service estimate to correct the issue with the shop.

Your DIY method is not bad, but you may be overlooking things without knowing how to check all the area's and use audio diagnostic equipment to pinpoint and define the sound and operation you are experiencing.

Good Luck