While in the midst of intense game play, annoying squeaks from your PS3's controller may break your focus. The PS3 controller is sturdy and built to handle heavy use, but over time dirt and grease can make its way into the control sticks, causing a squeaking noise. The screws that hold the outer casing together can also loosen and result in audible creaking during game play.

  • While in the midst of intense game play, annoying squeaks from your PS3's controller may break your focus.
  • The PS3 controller is sturdy and built to handle heavy use, but over time dirt and grease can make its way into the control sticks, causing a squeaking noise.

Flip the controller upside down and locate the five screws that hold the controller's outer casing together.

Tighten each screw using a Phillips head micro screwdriver. Avoid over-tightening, as this may cause the casing to crack.

Grasp the controller as you would in game play to see if the squeaking has been resolved. If not, proceed to the next step.

Saturate the tip of a cotton swab with a solvent such as denatured alcohol or acetone.

Push the control stick forward and wipe the pivoting ball with the tip of the cotton swab. Move the stick backward and repeat. Perform this step for the other control stick.

Rotate both control sticks clockwise and counterclockwise for several minutes to distribute the solvent. The solvent will help loosen the build-up of grime and silence the squeak of the control stick.

TIP

If your PS3 controller still squeaks, you may need to consult a video game repair service. Most video game shops provide in-house repair work at affordable prices.

WARNING

Avoid using oil-based lubricants on your control sticks, as this will cause more dust and grime to collect over time. Avoid cleaning the control sticks with too much solvent, as this may damage the internal circuitry. Do not attempt to disassemble your PS3 controller if you are not experienced with video game accessory repair.