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DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace worn out or broken analog stick covers in your DualShock 4 model CUH-ZCT1U controller.

Note that analog stick covers aren't responsible for stick drift. If your analog sticks aren't working as expected, you may need to clean or replace the analog stick module.

What you need

  1. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Check your controller model: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Check the model number on the back of your controller. This guide was written using model CUH-ZCT1U. If you have another model, the guide procedure and replacement parts may differ slightly.

    • If you have the second generation DualShock 4, model CUH-ZCT2U, use these guides.

    Edit

  2. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Unfasten the rear case: step 2, image 1 of 2 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Unfasten the rear case: step 2, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
    $3.99
    Buy

    • If you need to stabilize your controller during this repair, lay it on a soft surface such as a microfiber cloth.

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four 6.4 mm-long screws securing the rear case.

    Edit

  3. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Remove the L1 button: step 3, image 1 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Remove the L1 button: step 3, image 2 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Remove the L1 button: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Use an opening pick to pry each corner of the L1 button from the front case.

    • Cover the button to prevent it from ejecting out of your workspace.

    • Remove the button.

    Edit

  4. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Remove the R1 button: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Use your opening pick to pry and remove the R1 button, just as you did for the L1 button.

    Edit

  5. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Unclip the rear case: step 5, image 1 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Unclip the rear case: step 5, image 2 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Unclip the rear case: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Six plastic clips secure the rear case to the front case. The next four steps demonstrate how to release these clips before you can open the controller.

    • Insert your opening pick at a downward angle between the front case and rear case, halfway between the handle and the action buttons.

    • Slide your pick toward the handle and pry up to release the first clip.

    • Repeat this procedure on the other side of the controller to release the second clip.

    Edit

  6. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Two more clips secure the rear case near the extension port and the headphone jack.

    • Insert your opening pick between the front case and rear case at either side of the ports.

    • Twist your pick to unclip this section of the rear case from the front case.

    • If the rear case feels stuck, insert and twist your pick from different angles.

    • Don't open the controller yet, as it's still held together by two very delicate clips near the triggers.

    Edit

  7. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • The final two clips are very delicate, and must be disengaged from inside the controller. If you break them, don't worry—it won't affect this repair or your controllers functionality.

    • Locate the clips by looking through the gap above the R2 or L2 buttons.

    Edit

  9. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Insert the point of a spudger through the gap above the R2 button and push the retaining clip outward.

    • While pushing the clip outward, slowly pull the rear case away from the front case until you feel them separate.

    • Don't fully open the controller until each of the R2 and L2 clips have been disengaged.

    • Repeat this procedure for the clip near the L2 button.

    Edit

  10. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Remove the rear case: step 9, image 1 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Remove the rear case: step 9, image 2 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Remove the rear case: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • Press the R2 button and slide the rear case over it.

    Edit

  11. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 1

    • Press the L2 button and slide the rear case over it.

    Edit

  12. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement: step 11, image 3 of 3

    • Flip the rear case over the top of the controller and lay it down, being careful not to strain the interconnect cable.

    Edit

  13. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Disconnect the interconnect cable: step 12, image 1 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Disconnect the interconnect cable: step 12, image 2 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Disconnect the interconnect cable: step 12, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
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    • Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the interconnect cable by pulling its blue pull tab straight out of the socket.

    • During reassembly, reconnect the cable with its blue pull tab facing the outside of the controller.

    Edit

  14. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 13, image 1 of 2 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 13, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use tweezers or your fingers to grab and disconnect the head of the battery cable from the motherboard.

    • Only pull on the head of the connector—don't pull on the cable itself.

    Edit

  15. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Remove the battery: step 14, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the battery.

    Edit

  16. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Remove the reset button extension: step 15, image 1 of 2 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Remove the reset button extension: step 15, image 2 of 2

    • Grab and remove the reset button extension from its recess in the battery bracket.

    Edit

  17. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Remove the battery bracket: step 16, image 1 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Remove the battery bracket: step 16, image 2 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Remove the battery bracket: step 16, image 3 of 3

    • Locate the two clips securing the battery bracket to the motherboard.

    • Insert the point of your spudger into the opening behind the right bracket clip.

    • Depress the clip to disengage it from the motherboard.

    • Lift up the right edge of the battery bracket.

    Edit

  18. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 2 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement: step 17, image 2 of 2

    • Insert the point of your spudger in the opening behind the left bracket clip.

    • Depress the clip to disengage it from the motherboard.

    • Remove the battery bracket.

    Edit

  19. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Disconnect the touch pad: step 18, image 1 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Disconnect the touch pad: step 18, image 2 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Disconnect the touch pad: step 18, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use the point of your spudger to flip up the locking flap securing the touch pad cable ZIF connector.

    • Use tweezers or your fingers to disconnect the cable using its blue pull tab.

    Edit

  20. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Unfasten the motherboard: step 19, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Phillips screwdriver to remove the 6.4 mm screw securing the motherboard.

    Edit

  21. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Remove the motherboard: step 20, image 1 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Remove the motherboard: step 20, image 2 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Remove the motherboard: step 20, image 3 of 3

    • Be careful not to strain the vibration motor cables. Follow this guide to re-solder the vibration motors if they break off the motherboard.

    • Lift the motherboard from the midframe.

    • Guide the analog stick covers through their cutouts in the front case.

    • Flip the motherboard over the bottom of the controller, leaving the vibration motor cables attached.

    Edit

  22. DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Remove the analog stick covers: step 21, image 1 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Remove the analog stick covers: step 21, image 2 of 3 DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Analog Stick Covers Replacement, Remove the analog stick covers: step 21, image 3 of 3

    • Grab and pull the analog stick covers straight off their modules.

    • During reassembly, rotate and press the covers until they slide onto the modules.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

137 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 8 other contributors

Clay Eickemeyer

Member since: 09/19/22

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14 Comments

So I followed all the steps, got the sticks in. But when I put the controller back together it Wouldent turn on. Do you guys have any clue as to what it could be?

blscott2270 - Reply

Same exact thing happened to me, just wouldn't turn back on

Andrew Purcell -

Me too and all the reconnected cables are connected correctly, but it just won’t work.

Andy Hui -

Hope you guys still keep the parts, since the problem can be resolved by following the post below successfully. :)

https://www.google.com.hk/amp/s/amp.redd...

Andy Hui -

i think you didn't put a wire in

Gabrys Holcman - Reply

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