ByteRot :: XBOX Controller S Joystick Replacement

BYTEROT - retro PCs, consoles and lost software

Get an account

Accounts are free. Join #retro on irc.fxnet.org, identify with NickServ and type !req.

[ how ]

IRC

#retro on irc.fxnet.org
6697 ssl · 6667 plain
modern + vintage clients welcome

[ vintage how-to ]

Sections

OS 1,075

DRIVERS 61

SOFTWARE 22

GAMES 10

UTILS 37

DOCS 561

INCOMING 0

REQUESTS 0

LIBRARY 25,406 files

Some stats

releases	1,766
last 24h	+750
online	404.1 GB
library	1.2 TB
members	0
updated	2026-10-04 23:30

XBOX Controller S Joystick Replacement

Device	Xbox Controller S
Difficulty	Moderate
Time	30 minutes
Steps	7

This guide is by David Orpinel on iFixit and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0. ByteRot mirrors it for non-commercial preservation: formatting changed and photos resized for old browsers; full-size photos and the text are on the FTP in /DOCS/REPAIR. Original guide >>

If your Xbox Controller S joystick isn't working due to stick drift or no response, use this guide to replace the joystick (also known as the analog stick).

The joystick lets you look and move around while playing the game. Over time, these joysticks can develop stick drift, where the joystick moves in one direction even when you aren't touching it. It can also break over time due to wear and tear.

Before using this guide, if you think your controller might have stick drift, redirect yourself to our troubleshooting page.

Steps 2, 3, and 5 require you to use a soldering iron to remove the joystick from the circuit board.

This video link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O1TUbgUMdw&list=PL5Wz6hHUV5f6IrVQai7mcxX1-dklpZfcA&index=12) will be helpful in your device repair.

Tools: Phillips #00 Screwdriver; Soldering Iron; Solder Wick Braid; Solder ROHS Lead Free Rosin Core

Parts: Xbox Controller S Joystick Replacement

Step 1

• Remove the seven 9.4 mm screws on the back of the controller using a Phillips #00 screwdriver.
• NOTE: One screw is hidden behind the sticker on the back of the controller. Peel that sticker back and remove that screw as well.

Step 2

• NOTE: Keep the controller facing down to prevent components from falling out.
• Remove the back shell.
• Flip the controller over and remove the front shell.

Step 3

• Remove the motherboard from the back shell.
• NOTE: You will need to remove the trigger when replacing the left joystick.
• Desolder the three points to the right of the joystick on the top of the motherboard.
• Pry the trigger clip away from the top, then lever it downward to remove the trigger.
• NOTE: Replacing the right joystick will not require removing the trigger assembly.

Step 4

• Desolder the 14 solder pads to remove the joystick completely.
• NOTE: Take your time and remove the solder pads one at a time.
• NOTE: If one of the pads is difficult to desolder, move on to the next one and come back when you're done--this gives it time to cool and prevents damage to the board.

Step 5

• Remove the joystick from the circuit board.
• Carefully clean the surfaces and pads with 99% isopropyl alcohol to remove any excess flux.

Step 6

• Slide the new joystick into position and make sure it is fully seated against the circuit board.
• Solder one or two of the larger legs of the analog stick first to hold it securely in position.
• NOTE: If it isn't secure, make some adjustments by reheating your joints and filling in the other pads with solder and cleaning the area, if needed.

Step 7

• Reinstall the trigger assembly by snapping it back into place.
• Then fill in the three solder pads.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Credit