I'm thinking of replacing the ball joints on my 2007, Rock Auto has the parts and my question is whether anyone has done this. Obviously the old ones need to be removed by grinding off the rivets and using bolts to replace them, has anyone had any issues with this? It looks pretty straight forward but thought I'd ask before I dive in.

On another topic, several have talked about replacing the plastic disc/plate on the steering column to cure steering wheel rattle, I can't find a replacement piece anywhere, is it possible to actually replace only this part? Thank you.

 

Ball joints are a simple and easy replacement, the rear bushings might be toast , so consider replacing the complete aluminium LCA’s

 

I have replaced a ball joint before. The hardest part was removing the old rivets. Even after grinding the heads off, they were hard to punch out.

I agree with the previous post. Replacing the whole arm is a good option, a lot easier and you get the new rear bushing as part of the arm.

Finally, beware the issues with the rear subframe bolt corrosion (you have to remove it to get the control arm off). There are lots of threads on this. Don't use an impact wrench to loosen it as this makes it more likely you will spin the captive nut. Use lots of anti-seize when putting it back in. Seeing you are from Colorado, corrosion is likely an issue.

Steve

 

However, The last LCA I replaced had a ball joint go bad in a few thousand miles. And they were a couple of CM longer than stock, which messed the camber up.
Just one more thing to worry about.