are PS2 controllers easy enough to take apart and put back together?

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I have two controllers, and both have fucked up vibration-spinner things (I majored in engineering). The first one broke because I'm a hothead and threw the controller in a fit of game-fueled rage, although to be fair, it was more of a drop, something that wouldn't break an iPod. However, my other controller, which had hardly been used up to that point, now makes super loud noises every time it vibrates, and it doesn't vibrate correctly; it feels like something's loose.

So basically, I just want to open em up, and either try to fix whatever's going on with the vibration piece on the left-hand side, or just take out whatever I need to keep it from doing whatever it's not doing right (with the first controller, the vibration just doesn't work at all, which is preferable to it trying to vibrate like a geriatric gimp).

I just want to be able to put it back together, because obviously a working (yet annoying) controller is better than no controller at all. So, if I unscrew the controller, am I going to be able to put it back together again? I have the Japanese controllers, so I'm not sure if there's a difference, but I doubt it. I just figured I'd ask about your experiences with them. I'm not planning on doing any hardcore tinkering (I'd just like to open it up without taking out any of the circuitry from the shell), but I have no idea how difficult it'll be to put back together once it's taken apart.

Thanks in advance!
 
Just try out all the buttons before putting the screws back in and you'll be fine. It's easy enough, just that some buttons need to sit a certain way (namely the shoulder buttons).
 
The triggers are fairly tricky to get back in right, but not hard. The circuit and button press area (fellow engineering major) are printed on a flexible plastic film that is supposed to slide into the triggers. I remember having trouble getting it in there properly as the plastic would bend.
 
If you have a degree in any kind of engineering it shouldnt be hard at all.

Fighting game fans routinely rip up ps2 controllers to make homemade arcade style joysticks, so it cant be that hard. Check out shoryuken.com for all kinds of info on whats inside a ps2 controller.
 
[quote name='Kayden']The triggers are fairly tricky to get back in right, but not hard. The circuit and button press area (fellow engineering major) are printed on a flexible plastic film that is supposed to slide into the triggers. I remember having trouble getting it in there properly as the plastic would bend.[/QUOTE]

Biggest issue explained. I had to try it a few times before they fit back into place.
 
Very easy. I actually do this with a lot of my controllers when I buy them used, so I can clean off the previous owner's dead skin cell sweat muck.
 
haha I'm not actually an engineering major, I was just making fun of my lack of technical knowledge. Thanks for the help though; I have to get my friend's screwdriver set and won't see him for at least a couple of days, but I'll let you guys know how it goes. I was just kind of afraid that once I relieve the pressure from unscrewing it the controller would explode on the spot or something.

As for the first controller, the game responsible was Burnout 3, losing a face-off match at the last possible moment. The controller that just spazzed out was dropped onto a relatively soft surface once and one of the triggers sticks from time to time as well, so I'll look into that. I can't believe how cheap these controllers are...my SNES and N64 controllers have taken SO much punishment over the years and work fine, but both of these controllers are just about a year old.
 
As an admitted controller chucker all the way up until this generation (I'm not smashing $50 controllers), let me say that the dualshock 2 is quite easy to repair or replace parts on.
 
[quote name='mykevermin']As an admitted controller chucker all the way up until this generation (I'm not smashing $50 controllers), let me say that the dualshock 2 is quite easy to repair or replace parts on.[/quote]

I'll still throw a controller on occassion, but only at a pillow, or into the corner of the couch or someplace else that wont necessitate the purchase of another $50 controller. :D
 
I tried to fix one of my broken controllers over a year ago and found the rubber mat that goes under the shoulder buttons a pain in the ass to keep in place when putting it back together.
 
Sorry this thread's title made me a giggle a little (blaming the beers).

Anyway, just a little FYI, Logitech wireless action controllers where clearanced at Sears and should now be around $6-15--damn fine deal. Best PS2 controllers hands down.
 
Replacing those shoulder buttons is fairly easy, once you know the right way to do it, young grasshopper. LOL

Simply pop the L2 and R2 buttons out of the back part of the controllers casing and close up the controller normally, then line up the shoulder buttons that were giving you trouble on their respective sides and push in gently on the tabs on either side of the shoulder buttons, and pop them back into place on the already closed up controller.

VOILA!! Frustration level negated by thinking about how it would be EASIEST to get those buttons back in and doing it that way. I've found that only 1 out of 10 times will those rubber pads the buttons make contact with curl up and cause me to have to re-open the controller. So, this is DEFINITELY the easiest way to do it.

And don't worry, I had the same damned frustration with those shoulder buttons too, but I eventually figured out this 'fix' and now it's SOOOOO easy.
 
[quote name='Apossum']Very easy. I actually do this with a lot of my controllers when I buy them used, so I can clean off the previous owner's dead skin cell sweat muck.[/quote] Yeah, I have a used controller on the way. There's probably gonna be some dried sweat cheese on it. Gotta take it apart so I don't get all the circuitry wet.
 
Alcohol wipes or rubbing alcohol on a Q-tip(or a couple of them) or alcohol on a cotton ball works best for getting sweat muck off controller parts. Plus, it dries/evaporates quickly, so no wetness left behind to worry about.

I've actually been cleaning my controllers since the Genesis/SNES generation this way and have never had one fail on me after putting it back together yet.

Speaking of Genesis controllers to clean, I really SHOULD clean the arcade stick I bought on Sunday at the flea market for $3...it's super filthy.
 
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