Happ 4way is sticky

[jlfreund]

I have a plain Happ 4way joystick, and am having trouble with the joystick getting stuck in one direction.  The symptom is that I move the joystick to the right (for example) and the stick gets stuck there with the switch continually depressed.  When I jiggle it, the stick snaps back into place.  It seems to happen about 1 in 3 tries, and only in that one direction. 

I had to take apart my whole panel to unscrew the stick, and it looks like one of the coils of the spring can get caught on the edge of the inside cylindar.  I've tried two shafts -- the normal redtop that comes with it as well as a chrome shaft that is 1" longer (ie 4" total up to the chrome balltop).  The longer chrome handle actually gets stuck more often, but the joystick isn't usable with either one.

Has anyone encountered this problem or have advice how to fix it?  Is there any other 4way joystick that can perfectly drop in to replace the happ?

Thanks

[RandyT]

Having trouble visualizing your issue from the description.  Are you talking about the internal parts, after completely disassembling the base section?

If so, you can try grinding or filing down any sharp or raised edges on the end(s) of the spring.  Then slather some Super Lube onto any internal surfaces which rub against each other.  While you are at it, if you have the white conical part actuating the switches, swap it with the upper one, and put some of the lube into the pivot area.  One or a combination of these things should get it freed up.

[jlfreund]

Thanks -- I hadn't thought of that    I'll post a picture and let you know how it goes

[jlfreund]

Thanks -- I hadn't thought of that    I'll post a picture and let you know how it goes

Just to close the loop on this one -- the problem was not with the spring getting caught on the inside cylindar, it was with the separate plastic part that goes inside the joystick box at the end of the spring.  That part has a flat disc whose edges got stuck on the box opening at the bottom.  It's kind of hard to describe.  Anyway, I tried filing both the disc and the opening but it just seemed to make the problem worse.

Replacing with a new 4way joystick fixed it

Jason