How to Take Apart Your PS5 Controller and Fix Joystick Drift

Tools You Will Need

If you are experiencing drift on your PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, you may need to take it apart to fix the problem. You will need a few tools to do this. Fortunately, none of the tools that you will need are overly specialized, so you should be able to get them from your local hardware store, if you don’t have them already. Here are the tools that you will need.

1. Screwdriver set

The most important tool that you will need is a good screwdriver set. Depending on the type of PlayStation 5 controller that you have, you will need either a Phillips head screwdriver or a Torx screwdriver. Therefore, before you take your controller apart to fix the drift, you should make sure that you have the correct screwdriver set.

There are several types of screwdriver sets that you can use to take your PlayStation 5 controller apart. For instance, you can use a precision screwdriver set that comes with Phillips head and Torx screwdrivers. Alternatively, you can buy a magnetic screwdriver set that will make it easier to remove the tiny screws from your controller. You can also use a screwdriver set that comes with interchangeable heads. These are particularly useful if you have a variety of screws to deal with.

The key thing is to make sure that you buy a good quality screwdriver set. It may be tempting to buy the cheapest set that you can find, but this can be a false economy. If you buy a poor quality screwdriver set, you may end up damaging your PlayStation 5 controller. Therefore, it is worth investing in a good quality screwdriver set.

You should also look for a screwdriver set that comes in a case. This will keep your screwdriver set organized and prevent you from losing any of the screws or screwdriver heads.

Overall, a screwdriver set is an essential tool that you will need to take apart your PlayStation 5 controller. Make sure that you get the right type of screwdriver set and invest in a good quality set to avoid damaging your controller.

2. Plastic pry tool

Another tool that you will need to take your PlayStation 5 controller apart is a plastic pry tool. This tool is used to help you open the controller without damaging the plastic casing. You can use a variety of plastic pry tools, including guitar picks, credit cards, and spudgers.

One important thing to remember is that you should avoid using metal tools to pry open your controller. Metal tools can easily scratch or damage the controller’s surface. Therefore, it’s best to stick with plastic pry tools, which are less likely to damage your controller.

You can buy plastic pry tools online or from your local hardware store. They are relatively inexpensive, and you should be able to find them easily.

3. Tweezers

Lastly, you will need a pair of tweezers to remove the small screws from your PlayStation 5 controller. Tweezers are useful for holding onto the screws as you remove them and for putting them back in place when you reassemble the controller.

You can use any kind of tweezers, but it’s best to use a pair that has a pointed tip. This will make it easier to pick up the tiny screws that are used in the controller.

You can buy tweezers online or from your local hardware store. They are relatively inexpensive, and you should be able to find them easily.

Overall, taking apart your PlayStation 5 DualSense controller to fix drift is not an impossible task. With the right tools, you can do it yourself, without having to pay for expensive repairs. Make sure that you have a good quality screwdriver set, a plastic pry tool, and a pair of tweezers before you start, and follow the instructions carefully. Good luck!

Disassembling the PS5 Controller

Do you have a PS5 controller that’s experiencing drift? Don’t worry, it’s a common issue with game controllers. Fortunately, you can fix it yourself by taking apart the PS5 controller to replace or clean the joystick module. Here’s how to disassemble your PS5 controller to fix drift:

Gather the right tools and materials

Before you start disassembling your PS5 controller, make sure you have the right tools and materials at hand. These include a screwdriver (preferably a precision screwdriver), a plastic spudger or pry tool, a pair of tweezers, rubbing alcohol, Q-tips or cotton swabs, and replacement joystick modules (optional). You can buy replacement joystick modules online or from your local gaming store.

Remove the faceplate and screws

To disassemble the PS5 controller, first, turn it over and remove the six screws from the back using the screwdriver. There are four small screws near the center and two larger screws near the top and bottom. Set the screws aside in a safe place to avoid losing them. Then, use the plastic spudger or pry tool to gently pry the faceplate off the controller. Start at the bottom of the controller and work your way up to the top. Be careful not to apply too much force or you may damage the faceplate or the controller.

Disconnect the battery and speaker

After removing the faceplate, detach the battery connector by using the tweezers to gently pull the connector away from the circuit board. Then, use the tweezers to pull the speaker cable connector away from the circuit board as well. Make sure to pull the connectors straight out rather than twisting or bending them, or else they may break.

Remove the screws and joystick module

Locate the two screws that attach the circuit board to the front of the controller. Remove them using the screwdriver. Then, use the tweezers to detach the ribbon cable connecting the circuit board to the joystick module. This will allow you to lift the circuit board up and off the controller and access the joystick module.

Next, use the tweezers to lift the joystick module off the circuit board. If you’d like to replace the module, simply detach it from the circuit board and replace it with a new one. If you want to clean the module instead, use a cotton swab or Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts and the inside of the module. Don’t use too much alcohol or else it may damage the circuit board or other components. Let the module dry completely before reassembling the controller.

Reassemble the controller

After cleaning or replacing the joystick module, reassemble the controller by following the steps in reverse order. First, reattach the ribbon cable and reposition the circuit board onto the front of the controller. Then, reinsert the screws to secure the circuit board in place. Next, reattach the battery connector and the speaker cable connector. Finally, snap the faceplate back onto the controller and reinsert the screws on the back of the controller. Make sure all the screws are secured tightly but not too tight, or else they may strip the threads or damage the controller.

In conclusion, taking apart the PS5 controller to fix drift is easy if you have the right tools and materials. By carefully following these instructions, you can disassemble your controller, replace or clean the joystick module, and reassemble it within an hour. If you’re not confident in doing it yourself, you can always ask a professional gaming repair service to do it for you. Happy gaming!

Identifying and Fixing Drift

If you are a PS5 gamer, there is nothing more frustrating than dealing with drifting controllers. The drifting problem can occur when the joysticks on the controller start to move one way or another, even when you are not touching them. This can impact your gameplay, reduce your speed and accuracy, and ultimately ruin your gameplay experience. Here are a few simple steps to take when identifying and fixing drift on your PS5 controller.

Step 1 – Identifying the Cause of Drift

The first step in fixing any drifting issue is identifying the root cause of the problem. There could be a few reasons why your PS5 controller is drifting:

• The joystick or the surrounding plastic is damaged or dirty.
• The controller needs a software update.
• The controller’s calibration settings are off.
• The joystick module is old and needs to be replaced.

To look for the problem’s root cause, it is best to observe the controller’s behavior while it is in use. You can also use the DualSense PS5 controller’s built-in diagnostic tool that will help you assess the joystick’s motion and the extent of the drift. This tool will help you see if your controller is experiencing an intentional dead zone or if there is significant unintentional movement that needs to be corrected.

Step 2 – Cleaning and Troubleshooting the Controller

If the problem is caused by a dirty joystick or surrounding plastic, it is best to clean the area with a soft-bristled brush, like an old toothbrush, and some rubbing alcohol. If this doesn’t solve the problem, you can try updating the controller’s firmware or resetting the controller’s calibration settings.

To update the controller’s firmware, you need to connect the controller to the PlayStation 5 using a USB cable. Go to the Settings option and click on System Software Update. Ensure that your console is updated, and if not, update it to the latest software. Next, click on Accessories and choose your controller. Click on Update and follow the instructions to update your controller’s firmware.

To reset the controller’s calibration settings, connect the controller to the PlayStation 5 using the USB cable. Press the PS button on the controller and go to Settings. Choose Accessories and then Controllers. Click on Reset to Default and follow the instructions to reset the calibration settings.

Step 3 – Replacing the Joystick Module

If none of the above steps help fix the drifting issue, it is most likely that the joystick module is old and needs to be replaced. Replacing the joystick module is not a task that everyone can perform, as it requires technical knowledge and experience to do so. It is best to contact a professional who can help you replace the joystick module or repair your controller.

If you think you can replace it yourself, you need to purchase a replacement joystick module online that is compatible with your PS5 controller. You can find instructional videos on YouTube that will help you to replace the joystick module. Ensure that you follow the instructions carefully and have all necessary equipment before beginning the replacement process.

In conclusion, fixing the drifting issue in the PS5 controller is not complicated. It could be due to some software or hardware issues, or it might need a replacement of the controller’s joystick module. Always identify the cause of the problem then try to resolve it through cleaning or troubleshooting first. If the problem persists, feel free to seek professional help or replace the joystick module to keep enjoying your gaming experience on PlayStation 5.

Reassembling the PS5 Controller

The most important part of fixing the drift in your PS5 controller is to know how to reassemble it. If you’re not familiar with the inner workings of the controller, make sure to take everything apart carefully and take note of how everything fits together. To assemble the controller, you’ll need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Replace the Joystick Module

Before reassembling your controller, you need to replace the joystick module. Carefully slot the new module into place and screw it down with the two screws. Make sure that you attach the correct sticks to the module, as they are not interchangeable.

Step 2: Reconnect the Ribbon Cable

Next, connect the ribbon cable to the motherboard by carefully sliding it into the slot. Make sure that the cable is seated correctly, and the locking clip is secured firmly before you screw the motherboard back into place.

Step 3: Install the Battery

Now you can insert the battery. The battery goes inside the controller on the left-hand side, with the ribbon cable running over the top, then you clip the battery in place. Reconnect the battery cable to the motherboard, then thread the cable through the space on the bottom of the battery compartment.

Step 4: Attach the Front Cover

After this, you can snap the front cover back onto the controller. Ensure that it clicks into place, then secure the six screws that hold it together.

Step 5: Attach the Back Cover

Finally, attach the back cover to the controller. When attaching the back cover, make sure that the ribbon cable is properly tucked away and not twisted. The back cover has two screws on the bottom and two screws along the top. After attaching the back cover, make sure that everything is securely fastened and that the controller feels stable and lacks any wobble.

Overall, fixing the drift in your PS5 controller may seem like a daunting task. However, with care, patience, and some basic knowledge, you can easily achieve this task. By following the above steps, you can reassemble your controller, and it will be restored to working condition once again. Take your time, and don’t rush the process. Happy gaming!

Testing Your Repaired PS5 Controller

After taking apart and fixing the drift issue in your PS5 controller, the next step is to test it to ensure that it is fully functional. Here are five steps to properly test your repaired PS5 controller:

1. Examine the Thumbsticks

First, check the thumbsticks for any stiffness or looseness. Move the thumbsticks in different directions and test the range of motion. It should be smooth and responsive. It is important to ensure that there are no issues with the thumbsticks as this is a common cause of drift issues in PS5 controllers.

2. Check the Buttons

Next, test all the buttons on the controller. This includes the directional buttons, action buttons, and triggers. Test each button to ensure that they are responsive and not sticking. You can do this by pressing each button and checking if it registers on the screen.

3. Use a Calibration Tool

There are a variety of calibration tools available for evaluating the PS5 controller. These tools will measure the dead zone and range of motion of your controller. Dead zone is the area on a thumbstick where no movement is registered. By using a calibration tool, you can ensure that your thumbsticks are completely precision and responsive.

4. Try It Out on a Game

The next step is to try out your controller on a game. Choose a game with joystick and button inputs that are similar to the ones that you tested. This will help you to determine if the drift issue has been resolved. Play the game and see how it responds. Use the directional buttons, thumbstick, and triggers to see if the input is accurate, and the controller registers movements correctly.

5. Test It Over Time

Lastly, test your controller over an extended period. Play a variety of games and check to see if the drift issue persists. Monitor your PS5 controller regularly and ensure that it is functioning properly. Remember that regular maintenance and cleaning of your PS5 controller will help to keep it in good condition.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your repaired PS5 controller is functioning correctly after fixing the drift issue. It is important to take your time while testing the controller and to be patient. It may take some time to ensure that the drift issue has been properly resolved. However, once your PS5 controller is working as it should, you can enjoy your game without any distractions.