If you’re looking for how to fix a broken bumper on your Xbox One controller, you’re not alone.
A broken left or right bumper (LB/LB) button is a more common problem on Xbox One controllers than it may seem.
These bumpers are used heavily on the controller and are not meant for the extended wear and tear that a lot of gamers put on them. Think about it – how many times do you use the bumper every single gaming session? Sometimes, one side can get more worn down than another due to specific button mappings or games.
Regardless, they’ll need brand-new bumpers. Read on to learn more about how you can fix or replace your broken Xbox One controller bumpers using tools and our easy-to-follow Xbox One repair guides.
In This Repair Guide:
Why do the LB/RB bumpers break on an Xbox One controller?
You may notice that your left bumper or right bumper isn’t as responsive as it once was, or that your Xbox One controller bumper isn’t working at all.
In some cases, your Xbox One controller bumpers might even be stuck or jammed.
Have you ever moved your controller around and heard what seems like a plastic piece rattling around inside? This most likely means your bumper is broken and needs replaced.
There are a few different causes of a broken lb/rb controller bumper, but chances are this is due to a fracture in the plastic arm that connects the bumper to the button that it engages on the Xbox One controller circuit board.
Once this piece is broken, the controller is essentially useless.
As you can see in the featured image of this post, even just a small piece of the bumper breaking can render the controller effectively useless.
Replacing a Broken LB or RB Bumper on Your Xbox One
Step #1 – Open the Xbox Controller Shell
It’s impossible to fix a broken bumper without opening your Xbox controller shell.
Sometimes, you can fix it by only opening the outer shell of the controller, but more often than not you’ll need to take a few more pieces off to access the broken pieces.
You can watch XboxDIY’s 3-part video series on How to Open and Reassemble an Xbox One Controller:
- How to Open an Xbox One Controller – Part 1
- How to Open an Xbox One Controller – Part 2
- How to Reassemble an Xbox One Controller
Step #2 – Repair or Replace the Broken LB/RB Bumper
There are two potential ways to fix an Xbox One Bumper when it breaks.
Depending on the condition of your bumper, you can either try to repair the bumper by gluing it back together or, simply replace the bumpers.
Option #1 – Super Glue Bumper Back Together
The easiest way to fix a broken bumper on your Xbox One controller is by super-gluing the broken piece back together.
Most of the time, the break is clean, and gluing the piece back together works.
In some cases, where the bumper has shattered or the broken piece is missing, you may need to skip ahead in the article and learn how to replace the bumpers on your Xbox One controller.
What You Need to Glue Your Bumper
In our experience, brute force usually snaps the arm that connects the bumper to the circuit board. The design is poor, and newer Xbox One controllers have a better and more durable design.
You’ll need to re-glue the piece together using superglue, being careful to make sure it lines up properly and sits flush against the part of the broken bumper.
If these parts are severely damaged or don’t sit flush, you’ll need to buy a new set of Xbox One controller bumpers and swap them out.
Use a small dab of superglue, making sure that the sides of the two snapped pieces are clear of any residual glue. The area where the bumpers sit in the controllers is tight, and any additional mass could interfere with how the bumper operates.
If you’re not precise in re-gluing the piece, the broken plastic arm on the bumper won’t be able to generate the force needed to engage the button on the circuit board. It might work, but the results are less than satisfactory, such as pressing the bumper but not getting the ‘clicking’ feedback that we’re used to.
Option #2 – Replace the Broken Bumpers with New Parts
You can very easily fix your broken Xbox One controller bumpers by buying new ones and swapping them out.
Not only is this easier and more reliable than trying to fix your broken bumpers, but it also allows you to customize your controller with new colors and designs.
You could even paint your Xbox One controller or upgrade the controller buttons while you’re at it.
What You Need to Replace Xbox One Controller Bumper
You’ll need to open your Xbox One controller, as with most Xbox One controller repairs, and swap the bad bumper out with a new one.
We recommend making sure the replacement bumpers you order are the correct buttons for your Xbox One controller model, as multiple new models have become available since writing this article.
Wikipedia – Xbox One Controller Models and Other Information
After open your Xbox One controller and replacing the bumper, don’t forget you’ll need to reassemble the controller.
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Be careful with super glue. There is a reason it is called Super Glue!
- Don’t put too much glue on the broken bumper piece as this may prevent the piece from fitting back into the controller
- Make sure the super glue has plenty of time to dry (10-15 minutes after you hold the piece together)
- If you’re looking to get a new color controller, this is a great time to do it.
- You can test to see if your bumper is working by putting on the circuit board with the LB and RB bumpers and the front of the shell. Clip on the bumper and you should be good to go!
Were you able to repair your broken or damaged Xbox One controller bumper?
We hope that our article on how to repair or replace your broken bumper was useful and that your controller is back up and running.
If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comment section below or visit our Contact page.
Do you have any tips, tricks, or suggestions for others who are trying to fix their broken Xbox One controller bumper? We would love to hear from you in the comments below!
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