Introduction: How to Disassemble an Xbox 360 Wireless Controller

By www.MyCustomXbox.com
About: For a long time I have been into custom painting different things. One day I decided that I wanted to paint my Xbox 360 controller and I did not know how to even start this process. After researching online,…
This is a step by step tutorial on how to disassemble an Xbox 360 Controller for painting.

Painting the controller takes time and effort and if you prepare the controller correctly, great things can happen.
If you want to see or print out a Step by Step Tutorial, please visit http://www.MyCustomXbox.com . Good Luck!

And Remember, Everyone Should Know How To Paint an Xbox 360 Controller!

Step 1: Tools Required for Disassembly



  • Torx T8 Security Driver
  • Mini Flat-Head Screwdriver
  • Optional - Mini Philips Screwdriver
  • X-Acto Knife (Pen Style)
  • Static Discharge Area

Step 2: Remove the Battery Case

Start by Turning the controller over and removing the battery pack.

Step 3: Remove the Serial Number

Utilizing your X-Acto knife, carefully remove top left corner of serial number sticker.

Then place X-Acto knife under sticker and pressing against the SIDE of the blade with your thumb, remove the sticker.

Step 4: Remove the Back Screws

Locate the seven screws on the back of the controller.

Remove all of the outer screws first.

After the first six screws are removed, finally remove the middle screw below the serial number sticker.

Step 5: Remove the Back of the Controller

While grasping the top and bottom of the controller with one hand, gently remove the back of the controller by pulling up on the bottom area first, then remove back past trigger area.

Step 6: Remove the Bottom Plate

Without completely removing the circuit board, remove the bottom plate.

The bottom plate is secured by five different spots.

Two on the left and two on the right and one in the middle.

Step 7: Remove the Circuit Board

GROUND YOURSELF! Use a static discharge area! Then grasp the top and bottom of the circuit board (Plastic pieces, not the circuit board).

Gently pull Circuit Board out and place to the side.

If Circuit Board is stuck, press on the two analog sticks and the Circuit Board should "Pop" up.

Step 8: Remove the Rubber Pieces

Carefully take off the rubber pad behind the buttons.

Remember which direction the pads are facing for reassembly.

Step 9: Remove All Buttons

Turn over face and let all the buttons fall on to table.

The B, Y, A, X, Select, Start, and Dashboard Buttons should drop easily.

The outer edge of the Dashboard button might take some pressing.

Step 10: Remove D-Pad Screws

Locate the two screws on the back of the D-Pad.

Using a small philips head screwdriver, unscrew the two silver screws and place off to the side.

Step 11: Release Notches in D-Pad

Using a small flat head screwdriver, press the tabs towards the center of the D-Pad.

The D-Pad will just drop out.

Step 12: Remove Top Plate

Grab hold of the LB/RB buttons with both hands.

Gently push down on the controller while lifting up on the Top Plate.

Step 13: Remove the LB/RB Buttons

Turn the Top Plate so that you are looking at the bottom of it.

Grasping the LB/RB, press down on the top plate.

The buttons are secured by the two prongs located in the center of the top plate.

Step 14: Sync Button Removal - OPTIONAL

Press the screwdriver into the back side of the sync button and press up.

You will break this piece off and the weld is located in the center.

Step 15: Remove the Rumble Packs

Gently grab the white plug that is attached to the circuit board.

Remove the plug, but be careful to not pull the base off of the Circuit Board.

Step 16: Remove Trigger Arms

Grabbing the trigger in one hand and the trigger arm in the other, gently separate the two pieces just enough to press the arm down once they are separated.

Step 17: Remove Triggers

The best way to do this is on the instructional video in the Introduction.

Using both hands, separate the Trigger assembly and with your thumb, press up on the bottom arm of the trigger.

Be careful to get the screws.

Remove the triggers by turning them gently down and to the right or left.

YOU ARE DONE!

Step 18: Finished

Now check out one of our other tutorials on How to Prep an Xbox 360 Controller for Paint, then How to Wash an Xbox 360 Controller.

You can also see the How to Design a Paint Scheme for an Xbox 360 Controller to totally customize your controller!

Then take a look at one of our many How to Paint an Xbox 360 Controller Instructables that show different paint and techniques.