when deccelerating (and i shift down through the gears...when slowing from 40mpg i'll switch it to second) i have noticed that the back left side of the car sounds like its clicking for a second...but not all the time only occasionally. Not really sure if its in the axle or in the left rear wheel. Its not driving badly or anything but it's kinda disconcerting

 

same problem here. I wonder what it is??? My miata used to do the same thing....

 

Over the last couple of years, there have been many comlaints about clicking noises from the wheels but usually from the front. Try this link:

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...ins_index.html

Hopefully that will take you into Rosenthal Mazda service bulletin website. Check out the bulletin dealing with snapping noise at low speeds - could it be anything to do with this?

Failing that, i`d torque check my lug nuts (loosen off, then re-tighten in a star pattern to 110 Lb*Ft with a good torque wrench).

Finally - do you have aftermarket wheels...and if so, did you use the right lug-nuts for those wheels? The profiles do vary with certain aftermarket makes.

Good luck