Every owner of a PS4 should know how to take apart a PS4 controller and put it back together.
A faulty controller can be a real buzzkill and over time either being overused or not even used, they will need to be cleaned.
There are a few tools you will need to take apart a PS4 controller and it’s a fairly simple process to clean and maintain your PS4 controller.
Tools You Will Need to Take Apart a PS4 Controller
Navigating through the disassembly of your PS4 controller can be made a breeze with the right tools.
Arming yourself with the right toolkit ahead of time both simplifies the process and reduces any potential damage to your controller. It’s important to note that certain specialized tools are recommended.
Without these, you might be leaving yourself open to mishaps during disassembly.
- Small cross-head screwdriver: This is an absolute necessity for unscrewing the small screws that secure the different parts of your controller together.
- Pry tools: Often overlooked, these handy tools can be of great help while delicately forcing apart the plastic components of your controller. Be sure to opt for professional grade, well-made pry tools that won’t break or inefficiently scratch your controller.
- Tweezers: These little saviors will aid you in handling tiny, hard-to-reach screws and bolts.
- Lint-free cloth: Perfect for wiping off any dust or particle build-up on internal components. The cloth must be lint-free as you wouldn’t want fibers getting into sensitive sections.
Compiling your toolkit may seem like a daunting task, but really it’s an empowering step towards becoming your own gaming gear tech pro.
By carefully choosing reliable, high-quality tools, you’re not only preserving the integrity of your PS4 controller but also assuring yourself of a smoother experience throughout.
Preparation Before Starting
Before you roll up your sleeves and begin the process of taking apart your PS4 controller, it’s crucial to give due importance to the preparation phase. An essential first step is gathering the right tools for the job.
As already stated, a small cross-head screwdriver, pry tools, tweezers, and a lint-free cloth are your non-negotiables.
A mistake rookies often make is diving in headfirst without having all the required tools on hand. It’s advised against. You’ll find the procedure much easier to manage if you have all your supplies laid out neatly before you start.
Additionally, ensure you’ve got plenty of space to work—in an area with good lighting. It’s going to help you keep track of small screws and parts.
If you have a white or light-colored workspace, all the better, dark parts will stand out and be easier to keep track of.
On this note, let’s also address the elephant in the room.
Patience is key when it comes to disassembling your PS4 controller. Rushing the process might lead to misplacement or damage to small but vital parts of the controller.
Now, you might also wonder why you need a lint-free cloth.
Here’s why: to keep dust and lint from getting into the inner workings of your controller, it’s best to use a lint-free cloth for cleaning.
High-quality products make a difference here. Cheap, flimsy tools can cause a lot of issues down the line. It’s better to invest in a good quality tool kit to start with.
Removing The Back Cover
Welcome to one of the primary steps in the disassembly of your PS4 controller: Removing the back cover. A meticulous manoeuvre, it demands careful attention.
Patience is particularly pivotal during this operation as small components lie beneath, ready to spring out the moment the back cover is removed.
Remember, slow and steady wins the race; briskness can lead to unnecessary turmoil.
Firstly, ensure that you’ve got your small cross-head screwdriver on hand.
A total of five screws hold the back cover in place. Locate these screws on the back of the controller and gently begin unscrewing each one.
Pay extra attention to avoid stripping the screws; efficient removal will reduce the chances of any damage.
To document your process, prepare a chart on a sheet of paper to keep track of the exact location of each screw.
Creating such an inventory will assist in the reassembly process later on.
| Position | Screw |
|---|---|
| Top Centre | #1 |
| Bottom Centre | #2 |
| Left Top | #3 |
| Right Top | #4 |
| Bottom Right | #5 |
After all five screws are removed, it’s time to split the back cover from the front. Use your pry tools to assist in this. Start from the handle joints as that’s where the back and front snap together.
Slowly wiggle the pry tool around the edge of the controller, gradually releasing the back cover.
Once you’ve disconnected the two halves, be vigilant. Small components like springs, triggers, and buttons will likely be freed from their housing. Remember to handle them with caution to prevent loss or damage.
By persistently adhering to these steps, you become capable of removing the back cover of your PS4 controller. Practice makes perfect, and with each step, you are one step closer to mastering the disassembly process.
Keep the momentum going and proceed to the next section – guiding you further on your journey to exploring the controller’s innards.
Detaching The Button Components
After you’ve successfully removed the back cover of your PS4 controller, you can see a pool of mechanical buttons embedded in the front cover.
These buttons are springy and responsible for the tactile responses in the gaming controller. Let’s move on to the instructional phase where you’ll learn how to carefully detach these button components.
So remember, as you proceed, keep your chart handy to remember which button belongs where – it’ll be a lifesaver when you’ve to put it all back together.
Why don’t you start with the face buttons – Square, Circle, Triangle, and Cross? Notice those springs under the buttons? They play a vital role in the sensitivity of your controller. Handle them delicately to avoid any damages.
Use a set of tweezers to get to the springs without causing any harm and gently lift the buttons out. Remember to place them in a secure tray or container to avoid misplacing them.
The whole process may seem meticulous, but it ensures a smooth disassembly and prevents expensive repairs.
While dealing with this, also be keen to spot the rubber button contacts. These contacts sense when you’ve pressed a button and transmits that input to your game.
If there’s any tear on these rubber contacts, your button commands might not register during gameplay.
After that, you’ll notice two more buttons, the Share and Options buttons. Unlike the face buttons, these are small and may prove a bit tricky to remove. But don’t worry, with patience, you’ll manage to pop them out without causing stress to any part of your controller.
Since you’ve detached the face buttons and the strategies mentioned, you must have gained some confidence and a better grip on this task.
Exploring The Analog Sticks
Next up on the agenda are the analog sticks. It’s time to get familiar with these critical components. You’ll find that they are not as daunting to handle as they may initially appear.
Start by seeing the big picture. Analog sticks are actually potentiometers that provide input by detecting degrees of rotation on two axes. They allow players to control movement in countless games with mere finger flicks. It’s that technical marvel which makes your gaming experience smooth and realistic.
To dissect these, you’ll need the same screwdriver you’ve been using. The sticks are locked down by screws, found directly beneath them. You can leverage your tweezers for this delicate operation. Remember, precision is key here—so take your time.
While detaching the sticks, you’ll notice small hidden layers of technology. These facilitate the detection of both the angular position and velocity of the stick. Make sure you keep track of these layers as their position and orientation are key to the proper reassembly. You might also come across some minor dust accumulation. Regular cleaning of these parts will mitigate stick drift—a common issue among gamers. A can of compressed air can prove to be an invaluable resource.
One important thing: the analog sticks are spring-loaded. Be attentive while unscrewing to avoid any sudden leaps of spring.
With the analog sticks successfully detached, pat yourself on the back—your progress is commendable.
The forthcoming portion is about the touchpad and light bar. Prepare to search into these interactive elements—the magic behind your game navigation.
Cleaning and Reassembling The Controller
You’ll need a small brush, compressed air can, and alcohol wipes for this task. Carefully wipe the analog sticks and the surrounding area with the alcohol wipe. Use the brush to get into crevices and corners the wipe can’t reach. The compressed air can be used for removing lint or dust trapped within the assembly.
Let’s move on and revisit the process of reassembling the controller. Start with the analog sticks, carefully aligning them back onto their potentiometer. Consistency and precision are paramount here, as misaligned sticks can lead to incorrect readings and influence your gameplay.
With the sticks back in place, you’ll need to reconnect the ribbon cables. Slide them gently into the connectors on the circuit board. Be careful not to damage them. A magnifying glass can assist in ensuring that the cables are correctly inserted.
The same care and attention are required when replacing the body of the controller. Ensure that all the components fit correctly, floating parts could indicate improper assembly. Screw the shell back together, but don’t over tighten as this can cause cracks in the plastic.
Next up, we’ll be taking a look at tackling the touchpad and light bar, two components that are often overlooked when it comes to maintenance. Keep a lookout for that in the next part of our continuing series. Overall, it’s fair to say that learning to clean and reassemble a PS4 controller can significantly enhance your gaming experience by ensuring consistent and accurate control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the recommended materials for cleaning a PS4 controller?
You can use alcohol wipes, a small brush, and compressed air to effectively clean a PS4 controller, particularly around the analog sticks and surrounding areas.
How important is precision during the reassembling process?
Precision is critical when reassembling a PS4 controller. It is important to carefully align the analog sticks and properly reconnect the ribbon cables to ensure its full functionality.
What should be my concern while handling the controller shell?
Handling the shell of the PS4 controller requires caution. Always make sure all components fit correctly and avoid over-tightening the shell which might damage it.
How can learning to clean and reassemble a PS4 controller enhance my gaming experience?
Clean and well-maintained gaming equipment, like a PS4 controller, ensures optimal performance. By cleaning and reassembling your PS4 controller, you might improve its responsiveness and lifespan, thereby enhancing your overall gaming experience.
Summary of How to Take Apart a PS4 Controller
So there you have it! You’ve learned the ins and outs of taking apart a PS4 controller. You now know how to use simple tools like alcohol wipes, a small brush, and compressed air to keep your controller in tip-top shape. Remember, precision is key when reassembling your controller. Keep those analog sticks aligned and be gentle with the ribbon cables. Don’t force any components and avoid over tightening the shell.
By mastering these steps, you’re not just fixing a controller; you’re enhancing your gaming experience. Stay tuned for our next guide where we’ll jump in the intricacies of the touchpad and light bar.