Last week, my Jeep failed state inspection due to a bad upper ball joint on the passenger side. This evening was the first chance I've had to take a look at it and I feel slight movement with my hands at 12:00 - 6:00, however, visually, I see no movement in or around the ball joints when doing the 12:00/6:00 nor do I see any movement when prying up and down with a pry bar. What else can I do to confirm it's the ball joint or rule it out?

Get a second opinion. Oh, and did you check the other side?

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... I feel slight movement with my hands at 12:00 - 6:00, however, visually, I see no movement in or around the ball joints when doing the 12:00/6:00 nor do I see any movement when prying up and down with a pry bar.

That sounds more like a wheel bearing than a ball joint. With that said, neither the ball joint nor wheel bearing of the type used on this vehicle should ever have any play whatsoever in any direction. But is it unsafe? With only "slight" play, this is a grey area subject to interpretation and opinion. Is there any way to get a second opinion or appeal?

It is a license to steal, the state inspection. I got nicked for wheel bearings. My neighbor failed for headlights being fogged and an engine mount. $600? Hate VA state inspection. Hate.

egregore, I'm going to call the inspector tomorrow. He should be able to show me the play, either visually or with a dial indicator. I'm thinking there's something else going on there. The 12:00/6:00 feeling of movement requires no effort at all in regards to applied force on my part with no visual play in the ball joint at all. Am I correct in thinking that the pry bar test is for checking the lower ball joint?

and another thing...the inspector pissed me off when he quoted my wife $$$ to replace the upper ball joint with no mention of the lower ball joint. I mean if you're gonna pay the mechanic to tear it down to replace the upper, he should have recommended replacing the lower too.

I would go to another station, unless they have a way of ‘flagging’ you in the database.

I would replace all four ball joints, and while you're in there replace the front U joints and wheel bearings. The only "specialty" tool you should need is a 32mm and 36mm socket if memory serves me correctly.

Typically the hub is one sealed unit, so you don't have to worry about pressing bearings in. If you're up to it, this is a job that anyone can do with moderate knowledge, and limited hand tools.

Did you ever resolve this?

Many of those inspections are done to shake the money tree.
The fee doesn’t cover the time it takes so the only reason is to generate repair business.
Glad I left that corrupt state a few decades ago. I can still smell it a few states away.

egregore, I replaced both ball joints and the wheel bearing/hub assembly. The 12:00 - 6:00 movement is gone and the inspector passed it. I had all of the tools needed except for a 36mm socket and a ball joint press. I purchased the socket and borrowed the press. Now it's on to the headliner, it's starting to sag so after viewing a couple of youtube videos, I'm ready to get started.

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Originally posted by P229 357SIG Man:
egregore, I replaced both ball joints and the wheel bearing/hub assembly. The 12:00 - 6:00 movement is gone and the inspector passed it. I had all of the tools needed except for a 36mm socket and a ball joint press. I purchased the socket and borrowed the press. Now it's on to the headliner, it's starting to sag so after viewing a couple of youtube videos, I'm ready to get started.

Have a front end alignment done.


Best to hire the headliner out. You can get a pro to do them for $100-150. Ask some used car lots who they use.

If you want to do it yourself, clean the cardboard really well with acetone, then use 3M spray adhesive and a hard roller to roll out the bubbles and such.