Replace your XBOX 360 controller thumbstick or trigger mechanism (1 of 3)

[petegrimsby]

i replaced both of my Analogue Thumbsticks Sensors and when im playing a game they are way to sensitive. i have lowed the settings in the game on low sensitive but they are way to sensitive. will this wear in over time and is normal ? thanks for any help

[dakotakid12345]

@petegrimsby Sounds like you did a good job replacing them :-) You probably just got too used to your old crappy, insensitive sticks :-)

[NeroDesignz]

Well.. i fucked mine up. Buttons are all hard and the whole shit isnt screwed right back in :/

[dakotakid12345]

@NeroDesignz If it was broke anyway now it's just more broke, but you got some practice, next time maybe it will go betttterr

[mtp42881311]

Awsome! Thanks man my trigger just went out and your video answered just what I needed to know :)

[markjolyn94]

Great video. Answered what I needed to know

[FlawSh0t]

Is there anyways that you could fix the components inside the thumbstick mechanism, without completely replacing it. My problem is that it isn't connecting with the gray button next to it when I click down on the controller, any ideas of how to fix it or if the piece is broke so say screw it lol

[IMrJordaan]

so i replaced my analog stick, it works but only the left and right, the up and down wont work. ive tried using a fee different analogs, but the same problem continues. what the problem?

[aerowenn]

Quick question, I'm not at my workstation, and wont be for a few days to us a DMM, but I'm trying to design something on paper before I get back so that I can hack out a mod. I noticed the trigger control is just a potentiometer, I'm assuming the MCU does the analog to digital conversion. So, for a full pull, I'm thinking it's somewhere close to the board voltage, or slightly short of it. Would you mind telling me what the board voltage is? I was assuming 3.3V, certainly makes my design easier.

[dakotakid12345]

@aerowenn The potentiometer is powered or "wetted" using what I call the board's "analog reference voltage" which is actually right around 1.6 volts. The potentiometer is inserted "backwards" on Matrix/Matrix2 type circuit boards, and "frontwards" on CG/CG2 type circuit boards. Meaning the voltage actually decreases as you pull on one circuit board, and increases as you pull on the other. Hit up acid mods forums or viking forums, youtube is too hard to discuss in 255 characters or less.

[ShaBry1009]

You seem very knowledgable in the xbox controller so I want to pose a question to you you may be able to answer. I am trying to move my R3/Right thumb toggle button to an extra button/mod. I have ohm'd out what I thought were the two pins and seemed to have it working on the meter. But turns out it is still not correct. There are 4 pins in the same area, I tried to lower two together. Is it a four pin button? Any help would help tremendously!

[dakotakid12345]

@ShaBry1009 If you are talking about PS3 controller it's WAY too complicated to explain in 500 characters or less on a youtube wallpost. Hit up forums

[ILIK3HATERZ]

Ok for the triggers can you use any trigger from any xbox 360 controller to replace another trigger ?

[CptAfroMan]

Can you give us a list of all the things you used to do this?

[XxELIT3xKILLAxX]

how do you fix the metal part in between the thumbstick

[narutohin97]

How do you fix a thumbstick for the clicking mechanism I try clicking on my left thumbstick to run faster in COD and it doesn't work somebody help see the video on my channel

[omfgg3tlost]

i love your soldering setup i wished i had that!

[m0t1vz]

Have you ever replaced the left or right bumper mechanism ?? or is it even replaceable ??

[dakotakid12345]

@m0t1vz The left/bumper has a simple tactile switch. But also the plastic pieces flex in a certain way to allow the bumper pieces to "rebound" to their normal position. The tactile switches can be replaced similar manner to the joystick but may require removing the entire trigger mechanism first.

[moofinfan33]

i dont have a desoder so this wont work right?

[dakotakid12345]

@moofinfan33 It's very difficult without a desolder tool. You can try with desolder wick instead but you will need high heat on your iron.

[TIKOMIX]

@dakotakid12345 I tried with the desolder wick...terrible. Get the desolder tool instead. I have the same one you have in the video. I actually used an old playstation 1 controller as a donor and it worked perfectly.

[Mercury144]

Thanks for the great tutorials, was wondering why I couldn't detach the left trigger so easily lol.

[Christopsy616]

I appreciate this, but I'll just fucking buy a new fucking controller...

[EarthboundD2]

I checked out Niktronixonline for the thumbstick trigger mechanism, but they are sadly out of stock. So I was just wondering if there are any other websites that sell these parts that *you* would trust. I've checked out a bunch of places, but it would be nice to get your opinion since you obviously know what you are doing and sound like a trustworthy guy.

[dakotakid12345]

@EarthboundD2 I've got a huge box of broken circuit boards with new thumbsticks inside of them lol. I would try llamma. Google for llamma xbox 360 mods. I've also ordered from VGC Repairs. They carry the same stuff as the other shops, but I haven't had any troubles when I've ordered from those shops. There are other reputable shops out there, these were just the two that came to mind.

[WTFAnyNameWorks]

what the heck is all this u-u , All i have is a screw-driver and a broken controller ><'

[febafu]

Hi! Thanx for sharing such interesting and useful information! I got this defective controller. Both analog sticks tend to move on their own (i.e. you touch it and in the game, the character moves on its own, after you release the stick). I thought replacing the sticks would solve the problem. I opened the controller, and see the soldings are covered by a whitish matter. Could that be the problem? I tried to clean it with a little of alcohol and it didn't come off. What do you suggest?

[febafu]

Hi! Thanx for sharing such interesting and useful information! I got this defective controller. Both analog sticks tend to move on their own (i.e. you touch it and in the game, the character moves on its own, after you release the stick). I first thought replacing the sticks would solve the problem. I open the controller, and see the soldings are covered by a whitish matter. Could that be the problem? I tried to clean it with a little alcohol and didn't come off. Wha do you suggest?

[febafu]

Hi! Thanx for sharing such interesting and useful information! I got this defective controller. Both analog sticks tend to move on their own (i.e. you touch it and in the game, the character moves on its own, after you release the stick). I first thought replacing the sticks would solve the problem. I open the controller, and see the soldings are covered by a whitish matter. Could that be the problem? I tried to clean it with a little of alcohol and it didn't come off. Wha do you suggest?

[febafu]

Hi! Thanx for sharing such interesting and useful information! I got this defective controller. Both analog sticks tend to move on their own (i.e. you touch it and in the game, the character moves on its own, after you release the stick). I first thought replacing the sticks would solve the problem. I open the controller, and see the soldings are covered by a whitish matter. Could that be the problem? I tried to clean it with a little of alcohol and it didn't really come off. Wha do you suggest

[TheHowToGuy18]

what do they call that sucker thing so i can find it on ebay.

[dakotakid12345]

@TheHowToGuy18 "desolder tool" "desolerding tool" or might be "desoldering gun" or "vacuum desolder tool" or something like that. You can get one from radio shack for like $12 that will do the trick.

[DatNiqqaTrap]

What do they called the part that's not the thumb stick?

[dakotakid12345]

@DatNiqqaTrap I don't know, is this a joke, I can't wait to hear the punchline lol. The part that's not the grey plastic thumbstick, I've always just called "the joystick mechanism". I'm not really sure what the real name is.

[DatNiqqaTrap]

@dakotakid12345 lmfao no its not a joke, It does sound like one reading it again. but yeah if you find out please let me know

[VolvoForLife850]

@DatNiqqaTrap they are called "JOYSTICK POTENTIOMETERS " i just ordered some on ebay to replace the old ones in my controller

[IamGodly1]

I tried doing the trigger mechanism replacement, but after i solder the new one, and play a game, the RT is auto stuck... like in mortal kombat, RT is block, and I cant do anything in the game.. The characters just auto-block

any suggestions?

[Dubd3b]

Great guide my left stick button just went caputs and I wanted to see a nice guide through the replacing of a thumb stick

[Korpsicle]

I work on consoles and controllers (mostly lighting and recasing) in a store front, thank you very much for this well documented video on how to remove those thumbsticks.

[oPhrenetiK]

Great vid, really professional soldering. I was wondering as to where I'd find a "desoldering sucker," because solder wick is extremely inefficient. It'd be really helpful if anybody could help me out :)

[KBFProductions]

@oPhrenetiK I think he got his from radio shack.

[dakotakid12345]

@oPhrenetiK RADIO SHACK.

[oPhrenetiK]

@dakotakid12345 Picked one up a couple of hours ago.. Home depot.

[Sameriliv]

@oPhrenetiK man you are going to love this tool

[XINightfall]

@oPhrenetiK Yea i officially hate solder wick. I failed after two hour of attempt of using it. Not a complete newb to soldering (made a whole network tester before) but I will buy a desoldering sucker before my next attempt. Thanks for the video dakotakid12345. Quite helpful.

[KBFProductions]

Can you just use desoldering braid for this also?

[dakotakid12345]

@KBFProductions I used to use wick/braid for everything, but in this particular instance that $15 desoldering tool really helped cut down on the time. I have a hard time putting enough heat into the board with an iron and just the wick to get all the solder off.

Though I recently did this same thing on a newer microsoft "matrix 2" style circuit board and the soldering tool really didn't work all that well, I couldn't get enough heat into the board to get the thumbstick out!

[SolBladeLeo]

where did you get that dispenser that you are using for your alcohol, I need one.

[dakotakid12345]

@SolBladeLeo Google for a company called All Spec. They sell LOTS and LOTS of great tools if you work on this kind of stuff.

[SolBladeLeo]

@dakotakid12345 Thanks, I did this process too, I even calibrated my thumbsticks, so there's no drifting whatsoever. But cutting to the point, you don't need wicks or flux unless you are doing BGA's or anything that requires total solder cleanup. Yeah like they said above me all you need is a $15 solder vac and you're good to go. just make sure you clean it often cause you are sucking a lot of solder up that tube.

[JsarHD]

please help i bought a new thumb stick mechanism de-soldered the old on off the board, and replaced it with the new one then soldered it onto the board, but the thumb stick mechanism doesn't work, can u please help me or give suggestions what i've done wrong or whats happened, thanks.

[dakotakid12345]

@JsarHD Sign up at the viking forums, there are some DIY (do it yourselfers) on there that can chat about this kind of stuff with you :-)

[Uvatha38]

Vert good tuto, but i don't find 'Flex', what is it? This is vert efficient for finish desoldering

[dakotakid12345]

@Uvatha38 Look for some "Flux", preferrable paste flux.

[stevenagebenwhite]

THIS WAS VERY VERY HELPFULL - Many thanks dakotakid12345!!!

[LorenzoCommedy]

so, basically I need to go and buy $200 equipment to get this work done. knowing that on ebay you can find new controllers for $25...

[dakotakid12345]

@LorenzoCommedy Not everyone is a panty waste like you, living in Section 8 housing with no garage and no tools. A lot of people already have tools in their garage. If you already have the tools in the garage, and a spare XBOX 360 controller, then this work is free and takes an hour of your time.

[SPAZwazza]

Thanks so much for these videos. I've never soldered before in my life, but after watching these videos I was able to replace all four thumbsticks on my two very old controllers with no trouble, and they worked like new on the first try.

[dakotakid12345]

@SPAZwazza Glad to hear it!!!! The thumbsticks are really the only thing on the controllers that can wear out, so if you play a lot and are on a budget and happen to have a few soldering tools then replacement sticks are a little cheaper than buying new controllers.

[TreyArc]

OMG too difficult. I'd rather buy a new controller and junk the old one (fake anyway)... Thanks for the demo....

[RyanStatenSellers]

what is flex? i cant find it on ebay or anywhere! text me and let me know what it is. (662) - 816 - 5635. Please help. I have to get these controllers fixed in a week. Help! haha. thanks. great video by the way!!!

[IsaacClarkeSNL]

Oh man, I just tried to replace my analog sick without your help and I just heated up the trigger mechanism and pulled it though. Now my trigger won't work! Damn, I just put about 60 dollars in this controller too, I could have just bought a new one...

[TheS3NS3Y]

amazing tutorial help me alot my friend, fix my sticks in no time, thanks for your time

[agbmw79]

thanks this video helped me a lot 

[TheSadTroll]

nice vid man, but could you list up the tools you used ?

how's that tool called wich was used for taking the solder points of ? ( those underneath of the joystick mechanism)

greetz

[Mojotation7]

lol are you repairing a xbox controller or building a robot!

[SouthHazard619]

Couple Things:

1. I want your working station.

2. subbed.

3. How do I identified the leads (I think that's they are called) for adding an extra "b" button on the bottom of my controller.

No mods, just simply adding a easier to reach button.

Thanks in advance.

[SilentKiller01]

They really need to make a controller with removable analog sticks. Like pop them out and plug new ones in.

[CyanocittaCristata1]

Sounds like jeff goldblum

[Retardrk]

when i play games like assasins creed

my camera keeps moving which is worked by my right analog stick!!

the character keeps moving left at random times

i have opened it and check cant find anything wrong

any help?

[GRINREAP3R]

you make that look easy

[DonJuanDeMarco2]

I wonder, is it possible to 're-wire' and swap the triggers with bumper buttons ?

So LB = LT and so on ?

[dakotakid12345]

@DonJuanDeMarco2 sort of yes and sort of no lol. "Anything is possible" it just depends on how much work you want to put into it!

[DonJuanDeMarco2]

@dakotakid12345 Thanks the response !

I've found an answer, but it applies to the PS1/2/3 controllers. I think Xbox may have the same design.

I stuided the PCB and the printed strip always presented the problem of how one arth to re-wire it.

But i was completely overlooking the connection strip which all triggers lead to.

Im going to use a map to find the correct triggers on the connection strip, pull out the pins and use wire instead, giving me the freedom to cross the connections over :D

[DonJuanDeMarco2]

@dakotakid12345 Now using a converter i can use my PS1/2/3 controller on the Xbox with the triggers flipped PS style :D I hope it works lol.

[MrMp760]

@dakotakid12345 I was wondering what is that peace of metal that removes the soder?

[MrMp760]

@dakotakid12345 I was wondering what is that peace of metal that removes the soder?

[insane569]

thanks man i had to replace my joystick because it wouldnt stay in its normal position

again thanks alot

[spagnot]

do u really have to remove the trigger mechanism to desolder?

[VolklFx]

Can you help me here? My left analog stick works and all, but when I press down to sprint in Modern Warfare, it doesn't do anything? I connected the controller to my PC to see if all buttons responded like normal, but I noticed that there is somewhat of a response from the sprint button if I press a bit harder down than usual.

Do you know how I can fix it w/o buying a new one?

Thanks.

[baardagaampje]

@VolklFx I've had to buy 4 controllers due to that. It's just worn out. All my controllers move slowly in 1 direction if i don't center the stick and most don't sprint properly anymore.

[VolklFx]

@baardagaampje Is it possible to replace the left thumbstick because of that. I don't want to sped a lot more on a replacement. :(

[sonicspin001]

dont mean to bother but whats that gel called for the solder? and can it be used to safely remove the 0603 leds? (ring of light on the remote) or will it still burn out the lens?

[dakotakid12345]

@sonicspin001 "Flux". It can be difficult to remove the LED without damaging it. Hit up the DIY section of our forums to chat about 0603 LED replacement or other DIY work.

[sonicspin001]

@dakotakid12345 Thanks alot man =)

[gamerkid1177]

Where can I get a good de-soldering tool?

[dakotakid12345]

@gamerkid1177 The one in the video is from radio shack, was like $15 or something like that.

[gamerkid1177]

@dakotakid12345 thanks

[GRINREAP3R]

@gamerkid1177

RadioShack® 45-Watt Desoldering Iron

$10.99

[gamerkid1177]

@GRINREAP3R To late to help me. I got a sucker thingy. works fine.

[cool567430]

where can i buy a right trigger machanism?

[cool567430]

Do you know where i can buy a right trigger mechanism? =]

[MrJarmo123]

what happens if I fail lol then the controller is fucked

[Deeke777]

its pronounced sodder, spelled solder.

[metallica19980208]

i had a old ps2 controller the joy sticks are the same except sonys is built bedder its made with meatal so i replaced the broken 1 and it works fine

[Quirkification]

I am about to do this in the coming days... or I believe i am.

Are ps2 thumbstick mechanisms compatible with the 360 controller? I mean the thumbsticks are interchangeable, i assumed the mechanisms are.

[o0triipiiziin0o]

When i run on Mw2 I can't because when i try i go in reverse.. sounds weird right? Yea i know it's dumb as hell but i don't know whats wrong with it.

[dakotakid12345]

@o0triipiiziin0o wtf that is crazy. If you have a modded controller then try uninstalling the mod, if you don't then who knows maybe time to replace the joystick mechanism :-)

[o0triipiiziin0o]

@dakotakid12345 Nah i dnt have a modded controller, the thing is that my dog used to be chewing on my controllers n shyt and screwed up my analog stick. But nah, i already got another controller so lucky me xD

[thebuttler456]

@o0triipiiziin0o make shur that ur layout is on default

[nieelll]

how do i know if my thumbsticks are worn down?

[cjbraithwaite]

are you saying sod-er or sol-der?

[dakotakid12345]

@cjbraithwaite I'm probably saying "sodder". If you're British you might say "solder".

sol·der noun

\ˈsä-dər, ˈsȯ-, British also ˈsäl-dər, ˈsōl-\

Origin of SOLDER

Middle English soudure, from Anglo-French, from souder to solder, from Latin solidare to make solid, from solidus solid

First Known Use: 14th century"

[cjbraithwaite]

@dakotakid12345 it's funny how we pronounce the same word in different ways. .. i had to comment because it made me laugh because of the word "sodomy", and you saying sodder as in "to sod" and then you say "to shoot out hot sodder" and i erupted with laughter. /immaturity

[dakotakid12345]

@cjbraithwaite The world's best humor is always play on words. I'm chuckling now too. I'm a little embarassed now to all our UK/Australia viewers 8-)

[cjbraithwaite]

@dakotakid12345 ps. good vid mate thumbs up

[SawMan5000]

To answer all questions. Yes you will need to have a donor piece. They sell the donor parts on Ebay REALLY cheap, and brand new. All replacement parts must be in working condition, and check your board first to ensure that you haven't accidentally previously destroyed it when using your gun to heat up the points. GREAT VIDEO.

[WraithStalker]

Thank you for the excellent tutorial - even more so for the recommendation on that desoldering iron. It's made my work so much easier & saved me so much time. Much appreciated!

[HudsonFam100]

Where can I find a new trigger mechanism..I have looked everywhere and I can't find one. I was trying to remove a mod and then the prong cam off board...I tried to put solder back on it and the trigger doesn't respond...Help plz?!

[DarkBrawlRiver]

Looks like a killer's setup -_-

[paths4byzantium]

Great Video, Thanks a lot. Helped a lot.

[chromeKiLlz]

to open the screws on my 360 controller, do i need a torx screwdriver or a t8 screwdriver, which one is the right size and proper fit please reply

[chvyant]

is it normal that the thumb stick has deep scraps I always tho it was just dirt but today I cleaned it and was like wtf happund.

[xXStickArmsXx]

Great video man, i really could of used it about few months ago. Subscribed

[VicInNocal]

Hey man, thanks for posting this video. One question for you - If I have an Xbox 360 controller that needs one of the joysticks replaced, what other controllers use the same kind of piece? PS2? PS1? PS3? Xbox1?

(that little square piece that you remove in these videos). Or is there no choice but to get it off another Xbox360 controller?

Also, I've got the same question but for fixing a PS3 controller. THANKS.

[dakotakid12345]

@VicInNocal Try the following websites: sparkfun or llama (youtube won't let me post the URL in the comment so you'll have to google for them) I think both places carry spare joystick parts. I'm not sure if it's the exact same mechanism in the PSx gamepads or not.

[dakotakid12345]

@dakotakid12345

Niktronixonline - great shop, nice guy, he has the replacement parts for only $11!

[prettyboi194]

wow such a big help thanks a lot and im new to soldering but what is flex lol

[XXFOGOLDR0PSH0T3XX]

omg did u make this for me because im the one who has been talking to u about my broken thumbstick?

[SuperUnknownDude]

Your Controllers Are Awesome Its Funny Getting People Pissed Off With A Modded FAL

[dakotakid12345]

@TomT2411 I know! lol I would be willing to put together the design for a JTAG and sell it to anybody who wants to open up their own JTAG shop but is tired of paying retail for Xecuter's line of JTAGs. I just don't have time to open up more product lines right now (nor the time to train my personnel on how to install said JTAG's)

[jellyjamman3]

@dakotakid12345 i agree, u shud sumtime soon get into making Jtags is u make the time to :0