Any Information On Reconditioning Old Arcade Joysticks?

[Boingo]

I just bought some used joysticks, and they are kind of stiff with difficulty returning to centre.   Since they are of a type no longer made, there is no way to use new joysticks in their place, so I am going to have to fix them up myself.

Are there any good articles on how to clean and repair old arcade joysticks?

[Kevin Mullins]

Kinda depends on what type you have.

[Boingo]

The stubby kind used on most Nintendo machines in the '80s.

Does that help?

If not, I can supply photos.

[huygens]

This thread has a lengthy discussion of cleaning and lubing these joysticks. One thing I would add. As well as cleaning and oiling/greasing the pivot ball, it helps to lubricate the joystick shaft and flange washer part # 23-20 (ignore arrow). If this part is binding, the stick won't center properly.


I had a filthy looking one with the above part frozen to the shaft and rust on the pivot, but after cleaning it works perfectly. I used Super Lube Synthetic Grease from the hardware store.

[Boingo]

Thank you huygens!     That is exactly what I was looking for!

<<EDIT:  I did a thorough cleaning on the stiffest and worst of the joysticks I got, and put sewing machine oil in the centre bearing (The thread *did* say to use light machine oi.l), and now the thing is popping back to centre easily.

I am very pleased, and plan to do the same thing with all of the other sticks.>>

[huygens]

You're welcome  I don't know if all your sticks are Nintendos, but be careful using oil on any joysticks with plastic parts. Oil can break down plastics. Silicon-based lubes are safe though. Of course being all-metal the Nintendo ones aren't picky