Repairing a junk PS4 controller [Disassembly, repair, and parts removal]

Now that the game show is over, information on a variety of new titles has been released all at once.
No matter what, it's clear that the PS4 is still a hard worker that needs to stay in use.
Aren't controllers starting to get a bit out of hand?

Well, this time, we'll be making the most of our PS4 controller while keeping expenses down!
We will restore junk controllers and broken controllers by combining them together.

The PS4 controller prepared this time

This time I prepared two PS4 controllers.
One is a controller (CUH-ZCT1J) that no longer responds to the up key.*Old model.

The other is a junk controller (CUH-ZCT2J) I bought previously.*New model

Differences between old and new

These aren't things you'll notice much when playing, but there are some differences between the old and new versions.
- The buttons and keys are matte
- You can check the light from the touch bar
・There are changes to the internal structure and parts
That's what it means.
This time, it seems that it will be quite difficult to combine the controllers into one because there will be changes to the internal structure and parts.
By the way, the new controller will be available exclusively at GEO in a color.
This is junk.

Tools used this time

We don't do any major repairs, so a screwdriver set will be fine.
If you also have a cleaner for cleaning parts, you'll be fine.
It's the usual set.

Disassembling a PS4 controller

↓For detailed disassembly instructions, please click here.

How to Disassemble a PS4 Controller: Easy Repair and Cleaning for Beginners

For now, I'll just take it apart so that it doesn't become too much work.
Disconnect all cables that can be removed and remove the battery.

The disassembly method is the same for both the old and new models.

Precautions when handling junk items

One thing to note here...
Be especially careful around the battery.
This time, the battery inside was clearly not genuine.
*The one on the left is the old model, and the one on the right was included in the junk items.

In particular, when it comes to batteries, various factors such as charging time, discharging time, expansion, and fire are involved, so we believe that you should always use genuine products.
In this case, the situation was not particularly dangerous, but just to be safe, we will dispose of the non-genuine battery.
It was working fine, but I don't want to take too much risk.

Check the difference between the old and new part shapes

There are some differences in parts, but here are the parts that are not compatible between the new and old controllers!


The old model has separate parts, while the new model has the push/return mechanism integrated into the Touch Bar itself, so it seems like it would be difficult to reuse parts.
However, since this is a part that doesn't break down very often, you will have to replace parts between old models and new models.

Repairing a PS4 controller with two parts

The "safe" controller we prepared this time is the junk one.
However, the analog stick movement is a bit stiff... or is there some physical rattle?

When I took it apart, I found that a part of the analog stick was broken (around the hole) and the silicone material on the circuit board had become a little hard.
If it's just hardened, it will get better with use, but just to be safe, I sprayed some cleaner around the moving mechanism.
Next, I cleaned the printed circuit board and made sure it was clean just to be safe.

Next, replace the silicone parts used for the buttons and directional pad.

The silicone on the new model had hardened a bit, probably because it had been left in a cool place.
It's not that it's unusable, but it's a bit hard to make... and if it gets dented, it takes a while to bounce back...
This can be one of the causes of malfunctions, so be sure to replace it properly to ensure good return.

Change the options button, share button, and analog stick during assembly.
The analog stick was broken and the color was a bit dirty...it was really weird so I decided to replace it properly.

I think the best thing about the limited edition controller is its appearance, but to be honest, I don't really like the purple part... I'm just bothered by the light blue body...
I'm also thinking about changing the bottom half of the controller next time.

Once assembled, don't forget to connect the cables and check that power is on.

The battery is pulled from an old model.
It can be used without any problems, so there is probably no difference between the old and new batteries.
As we have said many times before, non-genuine batteries can cause unexpected accidents, so you should never use them.

Fix a junk PS4 controller

This time, I repaired the controller by transplanting parts to the "junk side."
It's quite difficult to combine two different models, but for a repair like this, it shouldn't be a problem as long as the parts are compatible.
What was even more frightening was the mysterious battery inside.
Although it was junk, it worked fine, so I don't know what would have happened if I had continued using it.

The basic rule with junk is that there are no claims or returns, and modifications and repairs are done at your own risk, so you should gain some knowledge before attempting this, but if you've read this article and are interested, why not give it a try and enter the world of junk?