Identifying Controller Drift
Are your video games becoming too frustrating to play because of problems controlling the game? Has your controller started drifting? Controller drift is when your game controller joystick movement becomes uncontrollable or erratic. For instance, your virtual character might keep moving from one direction even if you don’t touch the joystick anymore. This may happen often when you have been using a controller for quite some time or have accidentally spilled liquids on it, causing damage to the internal parts of the controller. Whatever the cause, joystick drift should be remedied to enhance your gaming experience. It is easy to identify when your controller drifts, and you can fix it with just a few supplies and a little bit of your time.
There are numerous ways to recognize when your controller is encountering drift while playing a game, some of which include:
- Your character moves, even though you do not touch the joystick
- Your avatar moves slower or faster than you want or in the wrong direction
- You feel that your joystick is loose, and there is no “click” when you move it or push it down
- Ignoring your joystick inputs when you try to make a move
- Your joystick is physically damaged or worn-out
If any of the above signs occur on your controller, your joystick is likely experiencing some problems. Take action now to restore it before you throw your controller out the window due to frustration.
To do this, first, you should perform a thorough cleaning of your joystick using an aerosol can of compressed air. Turn off your console and remove your controller. Flip the controller upside down, and use the compressed air to blow out any dust or debris stuck in and around the joystick. Be sure to be cautious not to wet the joystick, as it might cause further damage to your controller. After this is done, test your controller again to see if the drift problem still persists.
If the drift persists, then you may need to employ a more advanced method, and you can fix it by using WD40. Although not a conventional controller repair method, it works like a charm to fix drifting problems.
The WD40 spray lubricates and frees up the joystick’s inner parts that may have locked up, causing drift in the joystick motion. For successful results, follow these basic steps:
- Get a can of WD40 spray, masking tape, and a microfiber cloth
- Protect the surrounding areas of the joystick with masking tape to avoid spraying WD40 on other parts of your controller you do not need to lubricate
- Remove the controller lid. You can do this by taking off any screws holding it in place or pushing a small tool into the gap and gently prying it open
- Spray a small quantity of WD40 into the joystick base area, then maneuver the joystick around the area to ensure the lubricant reaches all parts of the base area
- Wait for a few minutes to let the WD40 penetrate the parts and dry
- Use the microfiber cloth to wipe off any excess wd40 that may be present on your controller. Do not leave any liquid on your controller for a long time.
- Put back any disassembled component, and your controller is ready to use.
It’s important to reiterate the importance of using WD40 spray in moderation when cleaning your joystick. Overuse can result in greasy thumb grips, and cause more issues than the drift you’re trying to fix. Additionally, when you reassemble your controller, make sure everything is properly fitted and screwed in place before you begin to play again.
After performing these steps, test your controller again to see if the drift has been resolved or significantly reduced. If the problem persists, you might need to seek professional assistance. You don’t have to throw away your old controller anymore; follow these steps, and your controller will be as good as new.
Why Use WD40 to Fix Controller Drift?
Controller drift can be a frustrating problem for gamers. When this issue occurs, the joystick on the controller moves on its own without any input from the user. This drift can make it difficult to play games as intended and can even cause players to lose matches or races. The problem is caused by wear and tear that occurs over time and can be fixed with a simple solution: WD40.
WD40 is a multipurpose lubricant that is used to protect metal from rust and corrosion. However, it can also be used to fix controller drift by lubricating the joystick’s internal mechanisms. When the joystick becomes worn from heavy use, it can cause friction that makes it harder to move and results in drift. By applying WD40 to the inside of the joystick, it can return to its former smoothness, allowing for proper control of the gaming experience.
Another reason to use WD40 is that it is an affordable solution that can save gamers money. If a controller is experiencing drift, it may be tempting to buy a new one, which can be an expensive endeavor. However, by using WD40, gamers can fix the problem without having to spend a lot of money on a replacement. This solution is especially compelling for gamers who have multiple controllers with this issue, as they can fix all of them in a short amount of time without breaking the bank.
Additionally, the application process is straightforward and does not take long to complete. Gamers do not need any special tools or skills to apply WD40 to their controllers. They need only a small amount of the lubricant and a few minutes of their time to disassemble the joystick and apply the solution. After reassembling the joystick, the controller should be back to functioning correctly without any more drift.
Furthermore, using WD40 to fix controller drift can also increase the lifespan of the controller. This lubricant can protect the internal mechanisms of the joystick, preventing them from corroding or rusting, which can cause permanent damage to the controller. A properly functioning controller can ensure that gamers can get the most out of their gaming experience without any issues or glitches. This solution can also help to avoid having to replace a controller prematurely.
Lastly, WD40 is widely available at most hardware stores, making it easy for gamers to purchase. It is a non-toxic solution that is safe to use and poses no risk to the controller or the gamer. It is important to note, however, that gamers should only apply WD40 to the joystick’s internal mechanisms and not to any other parts of the controller, as this can cause other issues unrelated to drift.
Overall, using WD40 to fix controller drift is an effective, affordable, and straightforward solution that can help gamers get the most out of their gaming experience. It can make their controllers function correctly and reduce the frustration that comes with an unresponsive joystick. As a result, gamers can enjoy their gaming sessions with fully functioning controllers without worrying about losing a match due to this irritating problem.
Preparing Your Controller for Using WD40
Controller drift is an issue that hunters of all ages face when using game controllers. This problem occurs when your controller’s analog stick malfunctions, launching your character in a particular direction even when you have not moved the joystick. When playing games that require a lot of precision, such as first-person shooters, controller drift can be highly aggravating. However, before you go and purchase a new controller, try and fix it by using WD40. To use WD40 effectively on your controller, follow the instructions below.
Contents
Step 1: Clean Your Controller
The first thing to do is to clean your controller. Ensure that you remove any dirt, grime, or debris that has accumulated on your controller’s exterior by wiping it down with a microfiber cloth gently. This will ensure that the plunger is smooth and didn’t get stuck because of any dirt, which can cause drift.
Step 2: Disassemble Your Controller
After cleaning your controller, use a screwdriver to disassemble the controller fully. Look out for the screws at the back of the controllers that are usually hidden under stickers: use a hairdryer to remove those stickers without damaging them to avoid any arguments with your parents. After removing the screws, carefully pull apart the controller’s body; this will reveal the joystick and its dampers.
Step 3: Secure and Clean Joystick
Next, secure your joystick in place by using a strong tape to keep the joystick in place. This step is to keep your joystick from falling out and disturbing your repairs. Then, remove the joystick’s damper and wipe it down properly with the microfiber cloth that you used in step one; ensure that you clean the damper throughly and avoid using water to do so. Once its cleaned, put it back in position, and you are all done cleaning your controller’s joystick.
Step 4: Apply the WD40 Spray
Get your can of WD40 and spray a small amount of it unto the joystick and its base. Then, wait a couple of minutes for the WD40 to act on the dampers. This should help to lubricate your joystick and dampers, leading to less friction and lessening the chances of controller drift. After some time has passed, use a cloth to remove any excess WD40 on the joystick and its base. Once completed, carefully reassemble the controller and start playing your game without the worry of controller drift.
Conclusion
WD40 can be an excellent solution to the problem of controller drift, saving you the expense of purchasing a new controller. However, if the problem persist after trying to fix it, please do not hesitate to purchase a new one to avoid ruining your gaming experience. We hope that this article has helped you understand how to use WD40 for fixing controller drift and that you can continue to enjoy your game without any frustrations.
Applying WD40 to Your Controller
Now that you know what controller drift is and what causes it, it’s time to learn how to fix it using WD40. WD40 is a water-displacing spray that also contains lubricants. It’s commonly used to fix mechanical objects by removing moisture and reducing friction. You can apply it to the joystick module to fix your controller’s drift. Bear in mind that you can use WD40 on any gaming controller, including those of PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Before you start: Before applying WD40 to your controller, ensure that it is unplugged from the console. Also, remove the battery if you’re using a wireless controller. Doing so will prevent electrical damage to the circuit board. Additionally, ensure that the controller is clean, with no debris or dirt on it.
Step 1: Spray the WD40 onto the controller’s joystick module. Ensure that you spray directly into the base of the joystick. Do not spray too much WD40, as it may cause electrical damage to the other parts of the controller.
Step 2: Rock the joystick in different directions, and use your thumb to press it in all directions. Doing so will help the WD40 penetrate the internal parts of the joystick.
Step 3: Wait for a minute or two for the WD40 to settle in. During this time, you can wipe away the excess spray using a soft cloth.
Step 4: Reconnect the controller to the console and check if the drift problem persists. If the problem is still there, repeat the process, and this time, apply a little more WD40. It is a process of trial and error, so don’t get too frustrated if it doesn’t work on the first attempt.
Step 5: Once the drift issue is gone, use a soft cloth to wipe away any excess WD40 from the controller. Be careful not to touch the circuit board while cleaning.
Step 6: Finally, reconnect the controller to the console and test it out in a game. You will most likely notice a significant difference in the way your controller behaves. There should be no more drift or unwanted movements, which will enhance your overall gaming experience.
Additional tip: In some cases, WD40 might not work. If this happens, you can open up your controller and manually clean the joystick module using alcohol. This method is a bit more complicated, but it’s an effective way to fix controller drift issues permanently.
There you have it; that’s how to fix controller drift with WD40. Remember to follow the steps carefully, and don’t be afraid to repeat the process if it doesn’t work on the first attempt. With a bit of patience, you can fix your controller and go back to enjoying your favorite games.
Testing Your Controller for Drift
Controller drift is a common issue among gamers, and it can be frustrating when it affects your gameplay. The first step in fixing your controller drift is to test your controller for drift to determine its severity. There are various ways to test your controller for drift. In this section, we will talk about some of the ways to test if your controller has drift.
Visual Inspection
One of the easiest ways to test if your controller has drift is by visually inspecting it. This method involves checking if there is any physical damage or obstruction on your controller’s thumbstick that may cause drift. You can examine the thumbstick for any dirt, sticky substances, or debris that may settle into the crevices. Sometimes, the thumbstick may be off-center, which can cause drift. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or dents, on the controller body. If you notice anything unusual, it is advised that you check for other ways to test for drift.
Deadzone Test
The deadzone test is another useful method for testing controller drift. The deadzone is a feature present in most controllers that prevents unintended movement by the thumbsticks. If your controller shows drift, it could be that the deadzone setting is too low or has worn out. To know if it’s the case, you must test the deadzone by accessing the controller settings on your console. Navigate the settings menu to controller calibration and run the deadzone calibration test. During the test, you will move the thumbstick through all its directions to measure how much movement is picked up by the controller. The test will show you the optimum deadzone setting for your controller. If drift persists after this test, you can move to other methods of testing.
Gameplay Test
The most exciting test to check for drift is the gameplay test. This test will show you if your controller has any drift issues during actual gameplay. You can test this by playing your favorite game on your console. During gameplay, monitor your thumbstick’s movement, and check to see if it goes out of control. If there is any drift, it will be evident based on the game’s output. For instance, the camera may unexpectedly change direction, or the player character may continue to walk even though you have stopped moving the controller’s thumbstick. If you notice any erratic movements that you are not making, it is evident that your controller has drift issues that need handling.
Controller Cleaning Test
One of the most common causes of drift is the presence of dirt and debris on the thumbstick’s base. You can test if your controller drifts due to this factor by cleaning it. Use a dry cloth or compressed air to remove any dirt or debris that may be trapped in the thumbstick’s crevices. Once you have cleaned the controller, you can repeat the gameplay test to determine if the drift has been resolved. If the drift persists, you can try using a cleaning agent such as WD40.
Controller Disassembly Test
The final way to test if your controller has drift is by disassembling it to check for any internal wear and tear. This method is a bit risky and might cause more damage to your controller if not done correctly. You must first ensure that your controller warranty has expired before disassembling it. Once you have verified that the warranty has expired, remove the controller battery and all screws. Use a plastic opener to separate the controller body carefully. Be careful not to disconnect any wires or damage any internal components. Inspect the thumbstick assembly and the motherboard for any signs of damage and excessive wear, such as broken connectors or damaged circuits. If you notice any damage, you can repair it, or it may be time to replace the controller altogether.
These are some effective methods of testing your controller for drift. Using these tests, you can determine the severity of the issue and come up with an appropriate fix. It is always essential to take care of your controller properly to avoid drift issues.