My left thumbstick is grinding when pushed around the outer axis.

emsk20 · Jan 9, 2023

I just had to replace the potentiometer on my series 2 elite controller to fix the common stick drift issue. After struggling but successfully screwing the thumbstick cap back on at the correct angle, my left thumbstick now grinds when pushed around the outer axis. I took off the cap again to see what the issue was but nothing looks different from before I repaired the first issue. It just feels like the metal screw grinding on the metal circle. Could it be a grease/lubricant issue? What can I do to fix this? Please help.

:)

John P_14

Hi and thanks for reaching out. I hope you’re doing well. I'm an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft user like you and I'll be happy to help you.

It's possible that the issue you're experiencing with your controller could be due to a lack of lubrication or a build-up of dirt and debris. When you replaced the potentiometer, it's possible that some debris may have gotten into the controller or that the lubrication was disrupted. To fix this issue, you can try the following steps:

1. Clean the thumbstick and the area around it with a soft cloth and some rubbing alcohol. This will help remove any dirt or debris that may be causing the grinding.

2. Lubricate the thumbstick. You can use a small amount of silicone lubricant or silicone oil to lubricate the thumbstick and reduce friction. Just be careful not to use too much, as it can cause the thumbstick to become slippery.

3. Check the thumbstick cap. Make sure that the cap is properly aligned and seated on the thumbstick. If it's not, it could be causing the grinding.

4. Check the screws. Make sure that all of the screws on the controller are tightened properly. If any of the screws are loose, it could cause the thumbstick to grind.

I hope this helps.

Im MasterDeath

the rockets shoot forward.....but if you push down the right thumbstick to look behind you and push down the left thumbstick the rockets shoot behind you...

KittenQuinzel

Update: Just tried Rainbow Six Siege and when pushing right on the thumbstick, my aim either doesn't move at all or turns left.

Im MasterDeath

push down on the left thumbstick to use the power ups

FearedNightmare

Hello

The regular controllers still have this issue since it's plastic grinding on plastic which causes the friction to create the groove. Some games "Halo" for example have options to calibrate your "Dead Zones" to counter act the results that stick drift gives
you. However it's only a select few that do this at the moment.

The Elite controller has thumbsticks which are made of steel and are interchangeable. The outer ring which the thumbstick slides against when fully moving it to the edge is made from a polished hard plastic so it's highly unlikely or even impossible for
the sticks to grind down. I haven't seen a case of stickdrift on an elite controller though but they're hard to find.

My left thumbstick is grinding when pushed around the outer axis.