Asus ROG Ally Left Thumbstick Replacement

Written By: Spencer Day

Comments: 0

Asus ROG Ally Left Thumbstick Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

30 - 45 minutes

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace a broken or drifting left thumbstick (a.k.a. joystick) in your Asus ROG Ally. Since the thumbstick module is not soldered to the board—a win for repair—you can also use this guide to replace the left thumbstick board.

If you're experiencing drift, unusual or unexpected movements, no movement at all, or loose movement, it may be time to replace your left thumbstick.

Tools

Step 1

Let your device's battery drain below 25% before starting this repair—a charged lithium‑ion battery may catch fire if damaged.
Completely power off your device and unplug all cables.
Consider laying your device on a soft cloth to prevent scratching or damaging the screen during your repair.

Step 2

Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.
Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the five 17.2 mm‑long screws securing the top edge and bottom corners of the back cover.
Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to fully loosen the remaining captive screw at the center of the bottom edge. This should create a small gap between the back cover and chassis.
Don't try to remove this screw.

Step 3

Insert the flat edge of an opening pick between the bottom edge of the back cover and chassis, near the captive screw.
Angle the pick upward and push it under the back cover.

Step 4

Plastic clips secure the perimeter of the back cover. You should feel and hear them release during this step.
Slide the opening pick along the bottom edge and around the corners of the back cover to release the clips securing it.
Keep the pick at an upward angle under the back cover to help release the clips.

Step 5

Lift the bottom edge of the back cover off the chassis to release the remaining clips.
Remove the back cover.
During reassembly, lay the back cover onto your device and firmly push down around the perimeter to engage the clips.

Step 6

Use your fingers to peel up and remove the black plastic cover between the fans.
Put the cover aside—you'll use it during reassembly.

Step 7

A metal locking bar secures the top edge of the battery connector
Use the flat end of a spudger to gently push the locking bar away from the connector to unlatch it.

Step 8

Make sure the locking bar is not covering the battery connector at all, or you may damage the socket and the locking bar.
Insert the flat end of a spudger under the center of the battery connector.
Lift the connector straight up and out of its socket to disconnect the battery.
During reassembly, use your fingers or the flat end of a spudger to firmly push the connector onto its socket until it clicks into place.

Step 9

The left thumbstick will be on your right-hand side since your device is laying upside down.
Use a spudger or a clean fingernail to lift the locking flap on the thumbstick interconnect cable ZIF connector, located on the left thumbstick board.
Use tweezers to grip the cable's blue pull tab and pull the connector straight out of its socket.

Step 10

Use the point of a spudger to lift the locking flap on the left thumbstick ring ZIF connector.
Use tweezers to grip the cable's blue pull tab and pull the connector straight out of its socket.
The black line on the ZIF connector cables mark the connection area. During reassembly, insert the cables into their sockets up to this line.

Step 11

Use tweezers to peel up the tape covering the main board interconnect cable ZIF connector.

Step 12

Use the flat end of a spudger or clean fingernail to lift the locking flap on the main board interconnect cable ZIF connector.
Use tweezers to grip the cable's blue pull tab and pull the connector straight out of its socket.
The black line on the ZIF connector cables mark the connection area. During reassembly, insert the cables into their sockets up to this line.

Step 13

Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the four 3.4 mm‑long screws securing the left thumbstick assembly.
During reassembly, keep the right edge of your device lifted while you tighten the screws so the thumbstick doesn't press against your work surface and pop out of place.

Step 14

Insert the flat end of a spudger between the bottom right edge of the thumbstick assembly and the chassis.
Pry up the thumbstick assembly and remove it.
During reassembly:
Orient the board over your device thumbstick side down.
Thread the thumbstick ring cable through its cutout on the board.
Lift the right edge of your device and push the thumbstick assembly firmly into place so the small circular cutouts on the right edge go over their alignment posts. The board should stay firmly in place.

Step 15

Lay the assembly on a clean cloth with the thumbstick facing up.

Step 16

With one hand, firmly secure the thumbstick board.
With your free hand, pull the thumbstick cover straight up and off its module.
To install the thumbstick cover, rotate it on its module until it slides into place. Then firmly press down until the cover snaps into place or bottoms out.

Step 17

Use the point of a spudger to lift the locking flap on the thumbstick ZIF connector.

Step 18

Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the two 3.4 mm‑long screws securing the thumbstick.

Step 19

Grab the thumbstick with your fingers and gently pull the cable out of its socket.
You're now left with the thumbstick and thumbstick board on their own.
After reassembling your device, follow this guide to calibrate your new thumbstick.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

Author

Spencer Day

Member since: 14/09/22

49372 Reputation

Asus ROG Ally Left Thumbstick Replacement

Introduction

Tools

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