How to fix controller joystick bounce back (Dampening method)
Disclaimer
❀ This method should not, but may damage your controller by performing an incorrect operation or using wrong source material
❀ You are expected to operate with caution and bear your own losses
❀ You will void your controller's warranty by following this guide
Symptom
I had my XBox 360 controller for years with an issue: whenever I give my stick a quick flick, it bounces back too quickly, and change game character to face backward of where I am aiming. This issue can be reproduced on other controllers, and visible with XBox accessories app, where for a tiny fraction of second the joystick input clearly goes to the opposite.
Methodology
As stated in the title, this guide introduces a dampening method, and should work on most type of controllers.
To check if this works for your controller, make sure that:
- The analog stick unit should be using some kind of mechanical forces to reposition:
- An analog stick unit:
- Mechanical components are isolated from electrical components
- For example, the XBox 360 joystick unit as a sealed bottom, and electrical components are on the side
Things you need
To disassemble controller
- T8 Hex bit screwdriver (for XBox controller)
- Razor Scraper (for XBox controller)
- To peel the battery compartment sticker with a hidden screw underneath, without damaging the sticker
- Other mobile phone opening tools that you have
To apply grease
- A cotton swab or small screwdriver to apply grease
- Any dampening grease that is more sticky than lubricant
- They should be sticky to surface, easily holds its shape in pea-size under shaking, and supposed to be used for cars
- They usually are not electrically conductive, so you don't short your controller in accident
- They don't create any noticeable resistance to joystick
- Example from newgatesimms.com:
- Tissues to wipe away original lubricants and excess grease
For testing
- Joystick input testing website
Steps to take
- Confirm that your controller is not having problems at first place
- Open a controller testing website and test all inputs
- Follow an XBox controller disassembly video, here are some links that should work:
- Disassemble until exposure of joystick unit
- Move the joystick to the left-side (it should lock in place)
- Wipe away original lubricants
- Move the joystick to the other-side (it should also lock in place)
- Wipe away original lubricants
- Scoop a mini-pea-sized grease on the tip of the cotton swab or small screwdriver tip
- Warning: the grease heap should NOT shape-shift from gravity at all, otherwise its not sticky enough
- After making sure the grease is actually sticky, apply it to its mechanical components
- Move the joystick to the other side
- Apply grease again
- Wipe away any excess lubricants
- You're almost done, now re-assemble your controller
- Confirm that your controller is not having problems after grease application
- Open a controller testing website and test all inputs
Other takeaways
- I've played and finished a few games without issue before publishing it
- The only issue is that the dampening effect is going to degrade slightly after some uses
