PS3 Persistent Stick Drift on PS3 Controller. Cleaning Doesn’t Fix It Long-Term

[LenAirhead]

So this is something thats been annoying me for a good while and ive tried multiple times to work against it but, my PS3 controller has consistantly shown to have stickdrift in both left and right sticks
ive opened up the whole controller, cleaned the whole controller and urgh.. it just never gets really fixed properly unless i stop using the controller for a little while (lets say... a week) and theres no stick drift until like about an hour or so later
maybe someone has a possible idea or alternative?

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

So this is something thats been annoying me for a good while and ive tried multiple times to work against it but, my PS3 controller has consistantly shown to have stickdrift in both left and right sticks
ive opened up the whole controller, cleaned the whole controller and urgh.. it just never gets really fixed properly unless i stop using the controller for a little while (lets say... a week) and theres no stick drift until like about an hour or so later
maybe someone has a possible idea or alternative?

If you’re VERY desperate, it’s worth noting that the PS3 isn’t very picky with what controller is connected to it. If you have a PS4 or 5 controller, you can connect it to the console and it’ll take.

 

[LenAirhead]

If you’re VERY desperate, it’s worth noting that the PS3 isn’t very picky with what controller is connected to it. If you have a PS4 or 5 controller, you can connect it to the console and it’ll take.

well about that... my PS4 controllers broke and i dont own a PS5 (tbf i dont even wanna buy a PS5 controller it feels a bit too bulky imo)
also my third party PS4 controller ive got doesnt get recognized :p

 

[Clippy]

Your best bet will be swapping out stick modules. Replacements should be cheap on sites like AliExpress. Two important things though:

1. You'll have to open up your controller to see what exact modules you need. Sony made a few revisions and they're not compatible.
2. The procedure requires soldering.

 

[LenAirhead]

Your best bet will be swapping out stick modules. Replacements should be cheap on sites like AliExpress. Two important things though:

1. You'll have to open up your controller to see what exact modules you need. Sony made a few revisions and they're not compatible.
2. The procedure requires soldering.

soldering i can do without issues (i dont trust myself honestly tho) and about exact modules i know its one of the sixaxis models sooo yeah kinda floating inbetween :x

 

[Geistmensch]

The graphite coating on the sticks has been worn out and it gives inconsistent voltage readings, so it causes stick drift. The only fix is for a skilled technician or someone with experience in soldering is to just replace the stick modules entirely.

Personally not worth the hassle, get a 3rd party controller with plenty of positive reviews that natively supports PS3.

 

[OPT1MUS]

Might be helpful, if you wanna try fixing it by yourself...

 

[LenAirhead]

only checking on this now honestly i do have to say thanks and honestly i might just buy analog sticks for the ps3 controller so i can keep using the custom firmware properly and have a 3rd party controller just for overall usage (at least so the actual ps3 controller is more of a backup if something ends up happening) ^-^