Dreamcazman wrote:I got my Saturn sticks yesterday and I promptly dismantled them to give them a good clean and lube. The only thing is, that spring is hella strong and I'm having trouble getting the circlip back on the shaft.
![Confused :?](./images/smilies/icon_e_confused.gif)
Any easy way without damaging anything?
You think that's strong?? You should try the arcade sticks!! Anyway, for removing the e-ring on the arcade sticks, I first push the spring down enough to grip the e-ring with needle nose pliers. Then, with the panel on the floor and the stick horizontal to the floor, I use one hand to hold the actual stick very firmly to prevent any movement, and the other hand to grip the pliers extremely hard and pull straight up. For reinstalling the e-clip, you just have to do you best to compress the spring enough to use pliers for getting the e-clip back on. It shouldn't be that hard since the e-clip will hold the spring down even if it's only partially on, and you can use pliers to carefully snap it back in place.
Also, be extra careful to lubricate everything, including the shaft. Various plastic parts slide up and down on the shaft, and even this relatively slight movement will destroy them quickly if there isn't enough lubricant. I actually forgot to do this the other day when cleaning my arcade sticks, but I noticed it immediately so there was no damage (I just had to completely disassemble, lubricate, and reassemble them again
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif)
).
Dreamcazman wrote:Other question is, anyone know where you can get the micro switches for the Saturn sticks if ever they need to be replaced?
Are they standard microswitches that are soldered to the PCB? I actually haven't heard reports of the actual switches failing, but I have seen some where the solder point cracked and the switch became loose and seemingly non-functional. In this case, you can redo the solder point if the damage isn't too severe. Remember to reinstall the restrictor plate and properly tighten the screws holding it in place. You need the restrictor plate and screws to do their job in protecting the switches.