how can you tell if the noise comes from carrier bearing or axle?

the axles don't make any noise ( like click-click) when turning or when accelerating. there is a bit of play inboard-outboard in the axle, but it's the same play on the left side. i tried moving the axle up-down or fwd-back, no play.
and the crazy part is that it disappears under load from weight balance in curves. this is what drives me nuts.

 

can someone tell me if some play is acceptable on the shaft (CV axle- passenger side), in the segment between the carrier bearing and the transmission housing(long straight shaft). it has slight play when i move it up/down. it's the only thing i can think of. the joints of the cv axle is solid and no play up/down and a bit of play in/out but this is normal. ( no clicking noises otherwise).

 

Ah yes, the ever-elusive passenger side clunk!

Looks like OP replaced everything under the sun, to no avail. I've had the noise since getting the car 4 yrs ago. Never gets louder and only happens over certain bumps. I just live with it now.

 

try the sway bar end links.
I replaced my Passenger side DS and yes noticed some movement in the mid shaft before.
While replacing drive shaft the Steering knuckle puts a lot of pressure on the LCA and puts a lot of stress on the end links and Sabilizer bar.