How to fix Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) sticky bumpers yourself

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The Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 is virtually flawless gamepad offering impressive battery life, back paddles, a charging dock, and numerous other fantastic features that make it difficult to part with. Regrettably, Microsoft might compel you to give up on this controller within the span of 6-12 months.

It has been disclosed that the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 is frequently returned to Amazon, an observation I made while seeking a new one due to malfunctioning bumpers – a problem many users encounter.

To cut down on expenses, I reached out to my trusted circle for suggestions on DIY solutions when faced with a problem. To my delight, I found out that fixing it wasn’t as challenging as I initially thought!

In this handy Xbox help guide, I’m going to show you what worked for me!

How to easily fix your own Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 bumpers

The Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 is an excellent gamepad, however, it can be a bit finicky with its bumpers. They tend to develop stickiness, which is usually due to dirt or particles lodged within the actuator. Fortunately, it’s straightforward to rectify this issue.

  1. Remove the joysticks and detachable d-pad from the controller simply by pulling them out.
  2. We’re going to remove the faceplate using a knife, or preferably a proper pry tool.
  3. The faceplate is held on by plastic clips, and you need to come in underneath the d-pad as shown below. Then, twist the knife or the pry tool upwards to start popping off the clips.

    Note: If you are using a sharp knife, the soft body plastic will most likely get some superficial damage. If you can, grab a pry tool from Amazon like this one, but if you don’t care about a bit of damage a sharp but thick-based household knife should suffice.

  1. Once you’ve gotten enough clips off to use your hands, you can gently pull the faceplate off the rest of the clips. Be careful not to bend the faceplate, or you could warp the rubber on the grips.
  2. Next, you’re looking for a piece of plastic that sits underneath the button inside your bumper, as depicted below. Use tweezers to remove it carefully.
  1. Next, use a straw or compressed air to blow dust and debris out from around the problem bumper and its button.
  2. Now, you can use some Isopropyl 99% alcohol (Amazon), or WD-40 to further clean around the button. I used regular WD-40 with cotton swabs on mine.
  1. Now, put the plastic back into its original place using the tweezers.
  2. Click in the bumper a few times to make sure it’s properly seated and housed.
  3. Now, you can replace the faceplate by simply gently pressing the clips into place.

An easy fix, but there are alternative controllers that shouldn’t need fixing at all

The solution might not apply to everyone, especially those whose bumper plastic is cracked or distorted. Regrettably, Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 models aren’t exceptionally durable, but we’re optimistic that future “Elite” controllers from the company may address some of these problems.

Not everyone might find this solution useful, especially if their bumper is broken or misshapen. Unfortunately, Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 isn’t very tough, but we hope that future “Elite” controllers from the company will solve these issues.

1. If the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 isn’t suitable for you or this solution doesn’t help, consider upgrading to a more durable, high-performance controller from Razer that shares many of the same features. For those looking for an affordable option with back buttons, GameSir is another choice worth exploring.

2. Should you decide against replacing your Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 or if this fix fails to solve your problem, you might want to look into a sturdier, feature-rich controller from Razer. If you’re on a budget but still require back buttons, GameSir offers an alternative that could be of interest to you.

3. If the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 isn’t your preferred choice or if this troubleshooting method doesn’t yield results, you can opt for a more robust and feature-packed controller from Razer as an alternative. For those seeking a budget-friendly option with back buttons, GameSir is another viable option to consider.

4. In case the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 isn’t your first choice or if this fix doesn’t work for you, take a look at Razer’s sturdy and feature-laden controller as an alternative. If affordability is a concern but back buttons are essential, GameSir provides an affordable option that could be worth considering.

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2025-03-28 22:39