Test Results

[Patrick-Irish]

We've got this thing called the National Car Test over here in Ireland. It's the equivalent of the MOT in the UK, not sure what it's called in the US or elsewhere.

My X went for the NCT yesterday, it failed on a worn front nearside ball joint, the park brake needs adjustment and the is oil seeping from the transmission housing. So a bit of work to do before the retest one month from now.

On the ball joint thing. Might seem like a silly question but how can you tell if it's worn ? The tester didn't specify which one exactly and I think there is more than one on each side at the front. So I'd like to be able to tell which one they're talking about before I go changing the wrong one.

[Aidan]

Dia dhuit Paddy Irish man

Jack it up, grab the wheel and shake it hard. You should find a little bit of play in it. Look at which ball joints the extra bit of play is coming from and thats your answer.
Alternatively, one of the ball joints may be busted - you should be able to see that if you look at them