Ball joints ?

It's that time of year to get a state vehicle inspection sticker. Garage 1 said upper and lower ball joints on both sides were bad, needed to be changed and front end alignment before I can get a sticker. Garage 2 said nothing was wrong with the ball joints just needed a front end alignment. How do I check the ball joints on my own to see if the ball joints are bad or not? Thanks.
Ball joints ?
Do you get any clunking sound when you step on the brakes? The sound is a low thunk in the front end. But if you jack up the front end where both wheels are off the ground, (but make sure you lift it by the frame, you want the weight of the car off the suspension). Then you can either use a heavy pry bar , put it under the center of the tire and lift. Have someone look under the suspension at the same timeat the ball joints. There should be very little play in the joints, if they pop up and down easily, then its time for a replacement. Also grab your tires by hand from both sides of the tire and wiggle side to side, look at the suspension, thereshould be no play or bouncing in the idler arm, centerlink or tie rod ends.If so, time to replace them too.

easiest thing to do is go to a 3rd garage and ask to see the affected parts while he tests them for you if he says that you need parts too.

good luck
Ball joints ?
If your tires are wearing unevenly you may have bad ball joints. I would get it inspected and let them tell you and if they say your ball joints are bad and your front end is out of alignment. You should get a free re-inspection if they find something wrong. Garage 1 sounds like they want to separate you from your money. If you do get the ball joints replaced get the greasable kind and keep them greased at every oil change and they will last a long time, possibly 200,000 miles. That's how long I got out of mine.
Jack up a front wheel. Put a board or something under the wheel and try to lift up. There should be NO free play. If there is, it is ball joints.
IF YOU CAN JACK UP THE VEHICLE SO THE FRONT TIRES ARE JUST OFF THE GROUND GET SOMEONE TO PUT A LONG PRY BAR UNDER THE TIRE AND AS THEY APPLY PRESSURE IF THE BALL JOINTS ARE BAD THERE WILL BE MOVENENT IN THE SHAFT OF THE BALL JOINT WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE SPINDLE ASSEMBLY

IF THERE IS NO PLAY THERE THEY SHOULD BE GOOD