How to put together PS5 Controller after Cleaning Stick Drift (Easy Method)
7I’ll keep the instructions clear and concise without using brackets for this guide on reassembling your PS5 DualSense controller after cleaning. I’m assuming the controller is disassembled with the back shell off and the battery possibly disconnected, based on your earlier questions. If you’ve removed more parts like the motherboard or joysticks, let me know for tailored steps. Here’s how to put it back together:
Tools Needed
Small Phillips PH00 screwdriver
Plastic prying tool or spudger, optional for alignment
Tweezers, optional for connectors
Clean, flat workspace
Step 1: Check Components
Before starting, make sure everything is ready:
Confirm all parts are clean and dry with no leftover alcohol or debris.
You should have the front shell with buttons, thumbsticks, and touchpad, the back shell, the battery, and four small screws.
Ensure internal parts like the motherboard, ribbon cables, and shoulder buttons are still in place or cleaned properly.
If joysticks or triggers were removed, verify they’re reinstalled correctly with no loose connections.
Step 2: Reconnect the Battery
If the battery was unplugged:
Find the battery, a rectangular pack in the controller’s center.
Locate its connector, a small plug with red and black wires.
Line up the connector with its socket on the motherboard; it fits only one way.
Press gently with your finger or tweezers until it clicks securely.
Tuck the wires neatly to avoid squeezing them when closing the shell. If the battery is still connected, ensure wires aren’t tangled or blocking other parts.
Step 3: Inspect Internal Parts
Double-check everything inside:
Thumbsticks should move smoothly and sit firmly on the motherboard. If you cleaned them, ensure no residue remains.
Ribbon cables for the touchpad, buttons, or light bar must be fully plugged into their motherboard sockets, straight and secure.
Shoulder buttons L1, R1 and triggers L2, R2 should rest in their slots. Triggers have springs; confirm they’re seated and bounce back.
Touchpad should be flush with the front shell, and its cable connected. The PS button below it should fit snugly.
Motherboard, if untouched, should be secure. If removed, ensure all connections are tight. Fix any loose or misaligned parts now to avoid issues later.
Step 4: Attach the Back Shell
Hold the front shell with buttons down and position the back shell over it.
Start at the top near L1, R1 buttons, aligning hooks first.
Ensure L1, R1 buttons and L2, R2 triggers fit into their slots in the back shell without forcing them.
Press the shell down from top to bottom, listening for clicks as clips snap together.
Work along the edges to close it fully. If it resists, something inside may be off; lift gently, adjust, and retry.
Check that screw holes on the back line up and L1, R1, L2, R2 feel clicky, not stuck.
Step 5: Secure the Screws
Grab the four Phillips screws you removed: two near the grips, two near the top center.
Insert each into its hole and tighten with the PH00 screwdriver until snug. Don’t overtighten to avoid damaging the plastic.
If a screw won’t catch, ensure the shell is fully closed and holes are aligned.
Step 6: Test Everything
Connect the controller to the PS5 with a USB cable or pair it wirelessly by pressing the PS button.
Test buttons, triggers, thumbsticks, and touchpad in a game or via Settings, Accessories, Wireless Controller on the PS5.
Move thumbsticks slowly in a game to check for drift. If it’s still there, you may need to clean again or replace joysticks.
Inspect the shell for gaps or wobbling. Wipe it with a dry microfiber cloth for a clean finish.
Plug it into a charger to confirm it powers on and charges normally.
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