Do you have an XBOX 360 controller just lying around collecting dust because you broke the analog joystick? Well if your answer is yes, then you're in luck. This Instructable will show you how to replace a broken analog joystick on an XBOX 360 controller while at the same time saving you the cost of a new controller. Please be aware though, that by "analog joystick" I'm referring to the actual joystick assembly, NOT the thumbstick. If you broke the thumbstick however, this Instructable may still be of some use to you.
To break the joystick actually requires a considerable amount of force/rage. I broke mine several months ago by slamming the controller face first into the floor, and then proceeding to stomp it a few times. Why did I do this? Well, for anyone who has attempted to get the "Mile High Club" achievement in Call of Duty 4 probably knows what I'm talking about. After about 25 times of almost completing it, frustration may ensue. The ironic part is, after I bought a new controller, I beat in 2 tries. Oh, well.
The controller still functions properly, with exception to the obliterated right joystick. The thumbstick was completely undamaged which is a good thing because that meant I didn't have to buy a new one.
If you happen to be one of those people who have a broken thumbstick, all you need to do is buy, or procure one from another, more severely broken controller and follow this Instructable up to STEP 2.
You can buy replacement thumbsticks here:
http://secure.llamma.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=73_97
You can choose between gray or black thumbsticks and even PS2/3 style sticks.
You can buy the replacement analog joysticks from SparkFun.com here:
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9032
They only cost $3.95 so it's a lot better than $50 for a new controller.
For those with broken analogs, follow all the steps.
To break the joystick actually requires a considerable amount of force/rage. I broke mine several months ago by slamming the controller face first into the floor, and then proceeding to stomp it a few times. Why did I do this? Well, for anyone who has attempted to get the "Mile High Club" achievement in Call of Duty 4 probably knows what I'm talking about. After about 25 times of almost completing it, frustration may ensue. The ironic part is, after I bought a new controller, I beat in 2 tries. Oh, well.
The controller still functions properly, with exception to the obliterated right joystick. The thumbstick was completely undamaged which is a good thing because that meant I didn't have to buy a new one.
If you happen to be one of those people who have a broken thumbstick, all you need to do is buy, or procure one from another, more severely broken controller and follow this Instructable up to STEP 2.
You can buy replacement thumbsticks here:
http://secure.llamma.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=73_97
You can choose between gray or black thumbsticks and even PS2/3 style sticks.
You can buy the replacement analog joysticks from SparkFun.com here:
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9032
They only cost $3.95 so it's a lot better than $50 for a new controller.
For those with broken analogs, follow all the steps.
Remove these ads by
Signing UpStep 1: Disassembling your controller.
Tools Needed to Disassemble your controller.
1. Security Torx drivers. These are special torx bits that are designed for "security" torx screws. These screws have a peg in the center of them that won't allow you use standard torx bits. These can be purchased online, or from a hardware store but can be hard to find.
OR
A small flathead screwdriver (also called precision screwdrivers). These sets can be bought almost anywhere and usually only cost about $5-$8. If you don't plan on doing a lot of mod work, then your best bet would be to buy a set of these if you don't already have some.
Your controller may even have phillips head screws instead of the security torx ones. If this is the case for you then all you need is a small phillips head screw driver.
And that's basically all you need.
Ok, first you need to remove the 7 screws from the back of the controller. The first 6 are clearly visible, but the 7th is located in the battery bay (wireless controller) underneath the label. Use your fingernail and run it along the label until you feel a hole, that's where the screw is. Just punch through the label and take out the screw.
If you're using the torx bits and have discovered which one fits then your all set to remove the screws. If you're using a small flat head screwdriver then you need to find the right one from your set that will fit in the screw. This is a little tricky. You need to fit the head of the screw driver in between the pin in the center of the screw and the inner wall of the screw. You should be able to remove the screw using a small flat head, I use a flat head to remove mine so I know it works.
Refer to the notes in the images.
1. Security Torx drivers. These are special torx bits that are designed for "security" torx screws. These screws have a peg in the center of them that won't allow you use standard torx bits. These can be purchased online, or from a hardware store but can be hard to find.
OR
A small flathead screwdriver (also called precision screwdrivers). These sets can be bought almost anywhere and usually only cost about $5-$8. If you don't plan on doing a lot of mod work, then your best bet would be to buy a set of these if you don't already have some.
Your controller may even have phillips head screws instead of the security torx ones. If this is the case for you then all you need is a small phillips head screw driver.
And that's basically all you need.
Ok, first you need to remove the 7 screws from the back of the controller. The first 6 are clearly visible, but the 7th is located in the battery bay (wireless controller) underneath the label. Use your fingernail and run it along the label until you feel a hole, that's where the screw is. Just punch through the label and take out the screw.
If you're using the torx bits and have discovered which one fits then your all set to remove the screws. If you're using a small flat head screwdriver then you need to find the right one from your set that will fit in the screw. This is a little tricky. You need to fit the head of the screw driver in between the pin in the center of the screw and the inner wall of the screw. You should be able to remove the screw using a small flat head, I use a flat head to remove mine so I know it works.
Refer to the notes in the images.
Visit Our Store »
Go Pro Today »
I hope that helps you. If you need more help just ask.
The button could be replaced, but you need to remove the plastic on the bottom of the analog stick. That's not a good idea because it holds in all the working parts and they're spring loaded so parts might go flying. If you do get it open you can replace the button.
The best way to do it though would be to just replace the entire thing. That way you can be sure everything works.
By "broken" I mean it's not functioning correctly. The analog stick has a small button in it, and can be fixed by replacing the entire analog stick. You can see the button in the picture. It's on the left. All you need to do is follow this instructable and you'll be all set.
If you have any more questions feel free to ask.
Now you can remove the whole thing by un-clipping it from the board. You should see some black plastic tabs poking out through the top of the board. You can sorta see them on the third image, one is on the left, just below the left analog, and another next to the right analog. There's probably more clips than those, I'm not sure how many exactly but I'm fairly certain that this is how to do it. Just be careful because there's other small little parts in the trigger like springs and whatnot that could get lost.
I'll post some pictures to show you more clearly.
eric=120 kills
kendale=63 kills
carson=73 kills