How to Disassemble a PS3 Controller

Flip your PS3 controller over and lay it on a table so that the back is exposed. Unscrew the five screws using a Phillips screwdriver. Start by removing the screw in the top center of the controller. Then remove the two screws on each handle. Carefully lift up the back cover off the controller and set it aside along with the screws.

Remove the battery from your PS3 controller. The battery is small black box resting in a white case in the middle of the controller. Make sure you carefully lift it up so you don't rip the wires connected to the circuit board. Carefully lift up the plastic tab that secures the wires to the circuit board. Take out the white plastic battery case and set it aside.

Remove the rumble packs from the controller. The rumble packs are the parts make the controller rumble when you play a game. Make sure you carefully lift up the rumble packs from their housing to avoid ripping the red and black wires that connect them to the controller.

Remove the small screw that attaches the circuit board to the controller. This small screw will match the color of your controller. If you have a blue controller, for example, the screw would be blue. Remove the circuit board from the controller. The attached analog sticks will easily pop out.

Remove the delicate touch pad that controls the buttons of your PS3 controller. Carefully lift the right and left trigger buttons out of the circuit board so you can easily lift up the touch pad. Never attempt to remove the touch pad without first removing the right and left trigger buttons. You will damage the tiny cord that connects the touch pad to the circuit board. Put aside all the parts.