DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Front Case Replacement

Written By: Clay Eickemeyer

Comments: 8

DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Front Case Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

45 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace the front case, also called a front panel or shell, in your DualShock 4 model CUH-ZCT1U controller.

Tools

Parts

DualShock 4 Controller Front Panel (CUH-ZCT1)

Step 1

Check the model number on the back of your controller. This guide was written using model CUH-ZCT1U. If you have another model, the guide procedure and replacement parts may differ slightly.
If you have the second generation DualShock 4, model CUH-ZCT2U, use these guides.

model:cuh-zct2e

كيف يمكن ان افكها

Mhmod -

Step 2

If you need to stabilize your controller during this repair, lay it on a soft surface such as a microfiber cloth.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four 6.4 mm-long screws securing the rear case.

to re-torque these PH00 screw... i found 19Ncm to be about the max. (since 27Ncm was too much)

Dreamcat 4 -

Step 3

Use an opening pick to pry each corner of the L1 button from the front case.
Cover the button to prevent it from ejecting out of your workspace.
Remove the button.

Step 4

Use your opening pick to pry and remove the R1 button, just as you did for the L1 button.

Step 5

Six plastic clips secure the rear case to the front case. The next four steps demonstrate how to release these clips before you can open the controller.
Insert your opening pick at a downward angle between the front case and rear case, halfway between the handle and the action buttons.
Slide your pick toward the handle and pry up to release the first clip.
Repeat this procedure on the other side of the controller to release the second clip.

Step 6

Two more clips secure the rear case near the extension port and the headphone jack.
Insert your opening pick between the front case and rear case at either side of the ports.
Twist your pick to unclip this section of the rear case from the front case.
If the rear case feels stuck, insert and twist your pick from different angles.
Don't open the controller yet, as it's still held together by two very delicate clips near the triggers.

Step 7

The final two clips are very delicate, and must be disengaged from inside the controller. If you break them, don't worry—it won't affect this repair or your controllers functionality.
Locate the clips by looking through the gap above the R2 or L2 buttons.

Step 8

Insert the point of a spudger through the gap above the R2 button and push the retaining clip outward.
While pushing the clip outward, slowly pull the rear case away from the front case until you feel them separate.
Don't fully open the controller until each of the R2 and L2 clips have been disengaged.
Repeat this procedure for the clip near the L2 button.

Step 9

Press the R2 button and slide the rear case over it.

Step 10

Press the L2 button and slide the rear case over it.

Step 11

Flip the rear case over the top of the controller and lay it down, being careful not to strain the interconnect cable.

Step 12

Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the interconnect cable by pulling its blue pull tab straight out of the socket.
During reassembly, reconnect the cable with its blue pull tab facing the outside of the controller.

On the model CUH-ZCT2E the circuit board is mirrored so that the connection is on the left side. When reassembling the blue tab should be facing inwards.

Konrad Skeri Ekblad -

Step 13

Use tweezers or your fingers to grab and disconnect the head of the battery cable from the motherboard.
Only pull on the head of the connector—don't pull on the cable itself.

Step 15

Grab and remove the reset button extension from its recess in the battery bracket.

On the model CUH-ZCT2E this is part of the battery bracket and not removable. Just skip this step.

Konrad Skeri Ekblad -

Step 16

Locate the two clips securing the battery bracket to the motherboard.
Insert the point of your spudger into the opening behind the right bracket clip.
Depress the clip to disengage it from the motherboard.
Lift up the right edge of the battery bracket.

On the model CUH-ZCT2E the battery bracket is not secured by clips but by a PH #00 screw mid height on the right half of the battery bracket. Just remove the screw and for the next step lift the battery bracket straight up.

Konrad Skeri Ekblad -

Step 17

Insert the point of your spudger in the opening behind the left bracket clip.
Depress the clip to disengage it from the motherboard.
Remove the battery bracket.

Step 18

Use the point of your spudger to flip up the locking flap securing the touch pad cable ZIF connector.
Use tweezers or your fingers to disconnect the cable using its blue pull tab.

Step 19

Use your Phillips screwdriver to remove the 6.4 mm screw securing the motherboard.
During reassembly, hold the motherboard tight to the front case before fastening it. Test each button to ensure the silicone button pads are properly aligned. If each button presses as expected, fasten the motherboard.

On the model CUH-ZCT2E this screw was removed in step 16. Just skip this step.

Konrad Skeri Ekblad - 07/11/23

Step 20

Grab the midframe by its plastic protrusions or the vibration motors and remove it.
Be careful not to separate the motherboard from the midframe, as they're only connected to each other by the vibration motor cables.
During reassembly, take your time positioning the midframe. Use the alignment posts to help guide it into place, and make sure the touch pad cable doesn't become trapped underneath.

Step 21

Remove the Share and Options buttons from the front case.
During reassembly, there's only one way for each button to insert. If one doesn't fit, flip it and try the other recess.

On the model CUH-ZCT2E the share and options buttons are not removable. Skip this step.

Konrad Skeri Ekblad -

Step 22

Remove the three silicone button pads from their buttons in the front case:
The squared off pad for the directional pad
The rounded pad for the action buttons
The small pad for the home button
If you wish to remove the silicone button pads for the touch pad, Share, and Options buttons, follow this step. Otherwise, continue for the standard set of buttons.
During reassembly, align the pads over their cutouts in the front case and apply pressure to secure them. The directional pad and action button pad can be rotated in any direction. Orient the home button pad with the opening of the U-shaped cutout facing the touch pad.

Step 23

Remove the directional pad, action buttons, and home button from the front case.
During reassembly, use the alignment tabs to orient each button into its recess. Each one is keyed specifically for its recess and proper orientation.

Step 24

Lift the bottom edge of the touch pad.
Rotate the touch pad and slide it through its cutout in the front case to remove it.
You're now left with the front case.
During reassembly, make sure the cable doesn't get stuck under the cutout in the front case.

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

Clay Eickemeyer

Member since: 19/09/22

77540 Reputation

One comment

As of March 14, 2023, this guide has been updated! Comments regarding step procedures may no longer be relevant.

Clay Eickemeyer -