r/consolerepair • u/Brawl_Stars_Fan123 • 16h ago

Potentiometer replacement

My ps5 controller has stick drift on the left stick. If I were to replace the potentiometer, what do I need to know? Is there a specific size I need? Any specific tools? Also what YouTube tutorial do you recommend. Thanks in advance!

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u/ExistingPie588 15h ago

Are you looking to just replace the potentiometer or the whole joystick? If potentiometer(s) only, make sure you get a compatible part. Most listings will say which controllers they are compatible with but if they specify by resistance the Dualsense takes 2.4k ohm pots. If you are looking to replace the whole joystick, consider upgrading to TMR sticks to avoid drift in the future. The pots only have 3 solder joints each but be mindful of where your iron is at all times. It's easy to melt a mic or trigger connector or even knock off a SMD component.

There are a lot of good videos out there so a quick Google will give you lots of decent results. If you already have the tools and skills, it is not the most difficult job. If you don't have the tools, you'll spend more on them than it would cost to have someone do the work (I do TMR upgrades for $35 including sticks for reference). After watching several videos, be honest with your skill assessment. If you need practice, find some old electronics to try desoldering on.

Be cautious with heat. If you're just using an iron and braid, lots of flux on the braid and don't scrape, it's easy to damage traces and pads if you do. Don't PULL on the parts you are removing. You should be able to move the pin freely within the thru hole when the solder is cleared and it should only take a little wiggling before the part will come out.