VA State Inspection

[lacefro]

Does anybody have a local shop that knows how to inspect aftermarket upper control arms and ball joints?

 

[mdcoa]

I know of a local shop that will pull your car into a bay for 10 min, not look at it at all, and then give you a sticker…

 

[iptman]

Since when does a VA state inspector care about after market suspension components?

 

[afgman786]

I've never had issues at the gas station in front of Lowes and best buy in that Gainesville shopping center

 

[ace10]

This is one of those threads where either there's one heckuva backstory or there's one heckuva backstory.

OP, care to share more details?

 

[lacefro]

This is one of those threads where either there's one heckuva backstory or there's one heckuva backstory.

OP, care to share more details?

I have a 5th gen 4Runner with SPC UCA’s. I took it to a local shop that I have used before for other vehicles without issue. Well I took my 4Runner in there to get the state inspection done and it failed for excessive play in the ball joints. I googled spc upper control arm state inspection and that was first thing that popped up was video explaining how to do the inspection. So I called the state inspection office expecting to be able to explain the situation and never got a call back. I took it to another place out in Warrenton Va and the guy was so rude we almost got into a fight. Miserable old guy! Needless to say it failed again. I think they’re inspecting it the wrong way and are refusing to listen to me because I’m not a redneck or a car mechanic. Very frustrating! Any assistance you guys can provide would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[TTViper]

I had a good experience with GT Peace in Chantilly this past week. They passed my truck with SPC UCAs on it. It’s a more performance oriented shop, so your explanation of how to check these UCAs should make sense to them.

 

[lacefro]

I had a good experience with GT Peace in Chantilly this past week. They passed my truck with SPC UCAs on it. It’s a more performance oriented shop, so your explanation of how to check these UCAs should make sense to them.

Thanks @TTViper I we’ll give them a call.

 

[mdcoa]

What about SPCs makes it feel like there’s play? Seems like even aftermarket UCAs should be nice and tight, right? They should have different geometry, but isn’t play play?

 

[lacefro]

I'm not sure someone with more mechanical experience will have to answer that. If I need new ball joints then ok just take a second to explain it to me. Don't fail me then expect me to sign a blank check to get it fixed. I want an explanation. Here is the video I watched: SPC Inspection Video

 

[matzell]

As an inspector I would have to look in the VA inspection manual. I think it says vehicle manufacture spec, not aftermarket spec. I understand your frustration. Their is some grey area there. If I felt the up and down play, I would think it was loose as well. I did watch the video. It makes sense but I would worry about how it effects the use on street when driving if it moves up and down.

 

[lacefro]

As an inspector I would have to look in the VA inspection manual. I think it says vehicle manufacture spec, not aftermarket spec. I understand your frustration. Their is some grey area there. If I felt the up and down play, I would think it was loose as well. I did watch the video. It makes sense but I would worry about how it effects the use on street when driving if it moves up and down.

Ok, thanks for the explanation @matzell. I will order some new ball joints.

 

[1MOA]

I have a 5th gen 4Runner with SPC UCA’s. I took it to a local shop that I have used before for other vehicles without issue. Well I took my 4Runner in there to get the state inspection done and it failed for excessive play in the ball joints. I googled spc upper control arm state inspection and that was first thing that popped up was video explaining how to do the inspection. So I called the state inspection office expecting to be able to explain the situation and never got a call back. I took it to another place out in Warrenton Va and the guy was so rude we almost got into a fight. Miserable old guy! Needless to say it failed again. I think they’re inspecting it the wrong way and are refusing to listen to me because I’m not a redneck or a car mechanic. Very frustrating! Any assistance you guys can provide would be greatly appreciated!!

Where in warenton did you go?

 

[lacefro]

Sheehy Ford on a recommendation of a friend. I will never go back. I couldn’t believe how the guy was talking to me. If it wouldn’t reflect badly of my buddy I would call and complain. He should be fired.

 

[1MOA]

Sheehy Ford on a recommendation of a friend. I will never go back. I couldn’t believe how the guy was talking to me. If it wouldn’t reflect badly of my buddy I would call and complain. He should be fired.

I was curious because with the exception of Tom Frost Firestone there is not a real jerk inspection shop in town.

I have never gone to the dealerships other than Country Chevrolet and they can suck my junk after they drove my truck all over DC on a memorial day weekend and racked up 5 tickets while it was In for warranty work.

 

[mdcoa]

I was curious because with the exception of Tom Frost Firestone there is not a real jerk inspection shop in town.

I have never gone to the dealerships other than Country Chevrolet and they can suck my junk after they drove my truck all over DC on a memorial day weekend and racked up 5 tickets while it was In for warranty work.

That’s some serious _Ferris Bueller’s Day Off_ shenanigans.

 

[1MOA]

That’s some serious _Ferris Bueller’s Day Off_ shenanigans.

I seriously doubt there was any singing, parades,baseball games and lunch with Abe Froman involved.

 

[JohnVee]

Abe Froman - the sausage king of Chicago!!!