X52 controller spring

49rTbird · Post by **49rTbird** » Sat Dec 03, 2011 2:41 pm

For some time now I have had problems with my X52 joystick when using it for racing games especially in that the cone under the main spring would drag and catch on the base making for uncontrollable turns due to to much tension in the main spring. I looked on-line and some said to solider a couple of spring coils together until it had the desired tension but I thought that seemed extreme. I finally found that taking two small zip ties ( the plastic ones that one end goes into the other and only work once) around two spring coils (one on each side) and squeezing them together works. If that makes the tension to loose then slide the two zip ties toward each other ( front or back) until you get the tension you want. All springs might not come with the same tension so you may have to use more or less zip ties. By doing this i was able to get the X52 where it can now be used for better control in my Evochron Sims also.

Prior to this fix I was starting to look for another controller.

Maarschalk · Post by **Maarschalk** » Sun Dec 04, 2011 4:47 am

I hav no Idea what you are talking about!. My X52 does not have a cone under the main spring, it has a plastic ring with 8 little extrusions that hold the spring in place on the plastic ring and the plastic ring slides and rotate smoothly over the bottom ring base and I do not see how that could drag and catch on the base unless this plastic ring and base ring are broken or damaged!....

:(

[Edited on 12-4-2011 by Maarschalk]

49rTbird · Post by **49rTbird** » Sun Dec 04, 2011 6:03 am

Isn't your base ring shaped like a cone with a hole in it that the shaft goes through? The base ring or cone as I call it sits in a well on the one I have. Here is a picture of mine. Underneath the spring is what I call the cone as the sides taper in and it rests in a well. Mine was moving roughly over the base due to excess tension from the spring.

[Edited on 12-4-2011 by thetiebers]

Maarschalk · Post by **Maarschalk** » Sun Dec 04, 2011 3:50 pm

I see, I still do not understand the problem though! How did the spring tension increase? unless you removed the spring and stretched it to increase the tension. Usually when a spring gets old it looses tension! and even if you did increase the tension I do not see how the cone can move roughly over the base unless the base or cone or both are damaged and have rough edges!....

[Edited on 12-4-2011 by Maarschalk]

[Edited on 12-4-2011 by thetiebers]

49rTbird · Post by **49rTbird** » Sun Dec 04, 2011 4:08 pm

From post: 120638, Topic: tid=8195, author=Maarschalk wrote:I see, I still do not understand the problem though! How did the spring tension increase? unless you removed the spring and stretched it to increase the tension. Usually when a spring gets old it looses tension! and even if you did increase the tension I do not see how the cone can move roughly over the base unless the base or cone or both are damaged and have rough edges!....

[Edited on 12-4-2011 by Maarschalk]

[Edited on 12-4-2011 by thetiebers]

As time passes the two plastic pieces ( cone and base ) can develop a rough surface from constant rubbing as the joystick is moved. I play a lot of racing Sims so this makes for hours of constant use. With the increase in friction it drags just enough to effect my steering which has to be dead on. the spring they use now (as I have read in multiple forums) is stronger that on some models and I read that by doing as I posted and reducing the tension a little makes up for any wear. It worked on my stick. I am glad yours seems to be fine. I will say that I do not notice the dragging when flying in Vice's Sims as The movement is not that precise. I saw one fix about an older model that had just the opposite problem in that the spring was to loose. they fixed that by sliding a round plastic (hand formed) washer between the top of the spring and the base that it recesses into. As I said I am glad your's works well.

Oh yes, I did not mean to push the edit button on your post above but hit it by accident:(

[Edited on 12-4-2011 by thetiebers]

Post by **Marvin** » Sun Dec 04, 2011 4:56 pm

I use a chip of dry soap and rub it around the base to lubricate moving parts. It doesn't last forever ... but can be repeated as required.

Bossk · Post by **Bossk** » Sun Dec 04, 2011 11:04 pm

I use mine to stop my notes flying of the desk when the window is open! But yes, I know what you mean TB. Used to have an older Saitek Cyborg and I was having no end off problems with the spring. Good tip, thanks.

Now all I have to do is find space on my desk for a joystick. If only I could find a better use for my paper weights.........