Replacing U360 shaft & spring

[nosecondcity]

So I just got my U360s and opted for the longer shaft and stiffer springs. I'm having trouble removing the shaft from the joystick.

On Ultimarc's site, it says "If your stick is not yet fitted to a panel, remove the 4 screws on the front of the faceplate and remove the swivel assembly."

I have removed the 4 screws and taken off the faceplate. I'm stuck on the 'remove the swivel assembly.'

Sorry for the total newb question, but I'd really appreciate some details as to how to get the shaft and spring out.

[dawolv]

I have mine sitting on my desk and taking it apart now...
...look at the bottom of the shaft and remove the magnet (looks like a large watch battery) there is a flathead screw there.  

EDIT: Take off the mounting plate first, pull out the shaft then look for the watch battery magnet.

[nosecondcity]

That's the problem. I can't pull the shaft out because the magnet's on the bottom. And I can't remove the magnet because my fingers can't really pull it through. And it's expensive so I don't want to damage anything.

I'm sure this is really easy, but I can't seem to get it. Do I unscrew the shaft somehow? Seriously, any help would be appreciated.

[syph007]

Once you remove the 4 screws from the top, the whole joystick part should lift out.  The magnet will probably fall off as you do this, thats what mine does.

[nosecondcity]

That's the problem though. It doesn't fall out. I've tried to pull up on the shaft, but that doesn't really do anything.

Below are two pics. The first shows after I have taken off the top plate. The next one shows a pic of the magnet that I can't get at. I feel like a complete idiot cause I can't figure it out.

[dawolv]

Try it this way:

[nosecondcity]

Thanks for the pics.

 I just tried removing the shaft from the 2nd joystick and it came out no problem. So I think there might be a problem with one of the joysticks. I'm gonna try to tinker with it a bit.

Now that it's out like in the last picture, how do I actually get the shaft out? I'm still confused on this.

Thanks again for the help.

[edge10]

EDIT --  There is now screw at the bottom of the shaft!  Please disregard this post. /EDIT

Any advice on replacing the springs?  I just tried removing the screw on the bottom of mine and I screwed up the finish on the shaft.  The screw still won't budge (thanks to whomever tightened it down).  These things aren't reverse threaded are they?

As always, thanks in advance,

Dave

[I/O]

To change the spring on (I think) any stick, you have to compress it by pushing on the actuator, and then removing the C clip underneath. Make sure you do not let it fly.

[Ginsu Victim]

I just tried removing the screw on the bottom of mine and I screwed up the finish on the shaft. 

That's not a screw. It's for inserting a screwdriver while you tighten the ball or bat top.

[edge10]

Thanks for the replies.

  Sometimes I can be such a dope.  

[kronic24601]

You are trying to replace the shaft right? Then why are you removing the top metal portion anyway?

Just remove the bottom PCB. (there are 4 screws)
Take off the magnet (with your hand)
Pop off the eclip (on the bottom portion of the joystick)
Pull off the spring assembly (replace spring if desired)
Pull shaft up through top.

You shouldn't have to take off the top metal plate at all.

[edge10]

I was trying to replace the spring (want the stiffer one).

Thank you for the thorough instructions, maybe they can save someone else from my mistakes.

It looks like I'm in the market for a new shaft now...