How to Put a PlayStation 3 Controller Back Together

PlayStation 3 controllers are built basically in the same way, whether or not they are wireless. If, for some reason, you need to take apart your controller, you should know how to put it back together. This will save you time and money in repairs or replacement. You may want to know how the controller is put together before you decide to take one apart and reassemble it.

Replace the buttons on the front of your disassembled PlayStation 3 controller. Press each button into place with your fingers. There are several colored buttons in triangle, circle and square shapes. There are also "Start" and a "Select" buttons that fit in the center of the controller.

Press the LED light into place on the back of the PlayStation 3 controller plastic case. There is a slot on the back of the controller in which the LED light fits. The back piece of the plastic casing remains in place even when the front piece and the buttons are removed.

Insert the joysticks into their holes on the controller. Press each one into place with your fingers. The bottom of the joysticks should slide into the holes without much force.

Insert the circuit board in so that the ribbon portion of the board is aligned with the top buttons on the controller and the holes in the board slide around each joystick.

Replace the small screw in the center of the bottom of the circuit board. Insert and tighten the screw into the circuit board by turning it clockwise with a Phillips-head screwdriver.

Replace the L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons on the top of the controller. Press each button into the slots between the brackets on the part of the controller that is farthest from you when in use. L1 and R1 go in the top slots while L2 and R2 go in the bottom slots.

Reinstall the PlayStation 3's battery. Press the battery into the white bracket on the circuit board until you feel it click into place.

Replace the top half of the plastic controller case. Align the holes in the case with the buttons of their same shape and size. Press this piece together with the other half of the plastic casing. Insert and tighten the screws on the bottom of the case by turning them clockwise with a Phillips-head screwdriver.