DIY Fix the d-pad on the Xbox 360 control pad (more than just sanding)

Step 3 Creating the "gap" spacer

Now that the sanding is done, the d-pad is even more likely to slide around (which is bad). What we want to do is fill up a little bit of the slack inside the pad. We'll insert a small, thin piece of plastic into the well so that when the controller is closed, the d-pad won't be able to slide around or move without pressing the membrane (the side effect of the increased pressure is that the membrane will also feel like it's kicking the controller back into neutral when you let go, making a pleasing clicking sound).

Get a pliable plastic top from a can of nuts (ideally clear) and trace the circle that's the size of the bottom of the d-pad.

Cut it out and punch a hole in the center that the pivot point on the bottom of the d-pad assembly can fit through.

Put the d-pad assembly back into the controller housing and then put our spacer on top of the assembly.

Put the d-pad membrane on top of the spacer (it'll be snug now).

Put the rest of the buttons and membranes back in and close up shop.

BE CAREFUL when tightening the screws. They strip *very* easily. A good trick for fixing a stripped screw is to put some of your larger sanding shavings into the hole with tweezers and then insert the screw.

Comments

[giroro]

This step is definitely the most important part. And it needs to be repeated: The D-pad audibly clicks. It is NOISY, so beware if you think that will drive you insane.

[tk216]

Great guide. I used a dremel tool and now my controller looks a bit crappy around the d-pad ( thats my fault), but it works and feels so much better!