Steam Controller Joystick replacement

[JDMAuction]

So my Steam controller joystick started drifting a few days ago. I opened it up and cleaned everything up, re-assembled everything, did a joystick calibration, tried increasing deadzones. But no matter what I do the drift is still present, it's super annoying as it interrupt casting in games. So now I guess I need to replace the whole joystick assembly(not just the thumbstick) Where the hell can I source a replacement one as Steam doesn't care about anything but the Steam Deck nowadays? I don't want to get rid of this controller, it's the best controller I ever owned. Buying a "new" one is just stupid as the price is just ridiculous now.

[TheTrippyHippie]

Take a look around iFixit website would most likely be a good place to start

[crunchyfrog]

I'd echo iFixit. It's a great place to start for detailed info about disassembly and repair.

Are you sure you clean out the joysticks properly? Because unless you know what you're looking at, you can get it wrong. You need to get something like an aircan or siwtch cleaner and direct the spray narrowly right into the open parts of the two potentiometers on each joystick. You need to clear the carbon debris from the tracks in there.

If you have done this adequately, and it still persists, it's likely too worn and will need replacing.

You can find like for like replacement pots if you Google enough, but you might also look a bit further too and try to see if manufacturers like Gulikit have hall effect replacements too. They do for Nintendo Switches and PS4 (I think).

From experience, you should be able to clean any joystick out a number of times to get them working again before wear starts to be a permanent problem.