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How to Disassemble Xbox Controllers

Owners of Microsoft's gaming powerhouse console Xbox 360 occasionally wish to disassemble their Xbox controllers. You might need to install a rapid-fire switch, to paint buttons or triggers, to install new thumb sticks to replace those freshly broken due to a particularly frustrating online match or to simply clean out the internal components. Whatever the reason you wish to disassemble your controller, the process requires only two tools and a basic understanding of electronic device construction.

Things You'll Need

Hobby knife
Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug your Xbox controller from the console. Place it face down on a flat work surface.
- 2
  Press down on the serial code sticker on the back on the controller. You will reveal a small hole under the stick. Use a hobby knife to cut away the serial code sticker and expose the screw beneath.
- 3
  Remove all seven screws from the back of your controller using a Phillips screwdriver. Place the screws in a jar lid or small cup to avoid losing them.
- 4
  Pry off the rear faceplate from the controller. Pull away the long, curved plastic rail that runs along the bottom edge of the controller. Set both pieces aside.
- 5
  Pull the internal component board away from the forward faceplate. Note that the controller's rumble devices hang from the component board by thin wires. Be gentle during this step to avoid damaging the wires.
- 6
  Unplug both rumble devices from the component board. Place them off to the side. Pull away the rubber thumb sticks from the component board to reveal the thumb stick servos.
- 7
  Remove the rubber button guards from the forward faceplate to access all controller buttons.

Xbox 360