Hardware & Technical Thrustmaster Warthog spring mod - replacement springs

geoffrey.hdt · Aug 7, 2015

EDIT: I have replaced the 4 little springs on bottom by some stronger ones, kept the big spring on top and confirm this reduces the stiffness by about less than half, while keeping a perfect centering.I'd invite anybody to give it a try since it's so easy to disassemble the base of the stick.

Here are the springs I used, available at Lowes:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_422418-37672...l=1&Ntt=spring

Hi Commanders,

I have recently acquired a Warthog HOTAS but will not to talk into details about how good it is or how I am now struggling to get used to it since I used a x52pro before (but I had the same experience when i switched from T16000m to x52pro)

I would like to perform a spring mod, to reduce the tension of the stick (which is by default extremely stiff) while keeping the perfect centering (coming from a x52pro, the Warthog is awesome!). So far people have performed 3 mods:
- Removing the center big spring: it then gets extremely smooth/soft/wobbling, but offers no centering.
- Removing this center spring, and place the four little springs on the edge from the bottom to the top: it gets very smooth but the centering is not great.
- Doubling the four springs at the bottom, which temper the big spring on top: the stick is then smooth and you keep a good centering (sounds like the best to me!)

It should of course be possible to change the center big spring by a weaker one, or change the four little springs but some stronger.

Now my questions: has anybody replaced or added some springs? If so, where did you purchase them and what were the reference numbers (so I can purchase the same and ensure they fit)? Or would any of you have the specifications of the springs (diameter?).

geoffrey.hdt · Aug 7, 2015

Nobody? Oh oh, actually i think I found it!

http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/4044898/Thrustmaster_Warthog_HOTAS_rep
"One person I talked to say that he [...] replaced the four lower springs(since they work against the main spring) with 7.94mm x 38.10mm x 0.50mm basically doubling the pressure from the bottom of the clutch.

Lowes supposedly sells these small compression springs (made by Hillman 5/16" x 1-1/2" x .020") but I haven't gotten over there to see if they are in stock locally.

http://wedo.hillmangroup.com/item/fastener-products/springs-general-purpose/540018?"

Katkon · Aug 7, 2015

I honestly find the "weight" or tension of the stick to be part of the attraction. If anything, I would have liked to increase the stiffness of both the joystick and throttle! The lightness of the Saitek makes it feel more "toylike". Nonetheless - glad your problem appears solved!

geoffrey.hdt · Aug 7, 2015

Katkon said:
I honestly find the "weight" or tension of the stick to be part of the attraction. If anything, I would have liked to increase the stiffness of both the joystick and throttle! The lightness of the Saitek makes it feel more "toylike". Nonetheless - glad your problem appears solved!

Well, when dogfighting, I pretty often throw the stick to the max back and forth. With the stiffness of the stick, this is done pretty hard, and my whole desk (including the screen) shakes! Sometimes, even one side the plate (base) rises from the desk!

With the x52 pro, dogfights were a breeze...but then the centering/wobbling + plastic feel were another story.
I am just trying to get the best of both worlds.

Uncle Bert · Aug 7, 2015

When I first got A Warthog I found the stick very heavy as well. It got uncomfortable to use after an hour or so. And, as you say when throwing it around I nearly took out the monitor. However, I got used to it. Before you start tinkering give it a couple of weeks and see.

CATPAIN KIRK · Aug 7, 2015

geoffrey.hdt said:
Well, when dogfighting, I pretty often throw the stick to the max back and forth. With the stiffness of the stick, this is done pretty hard, and my whole desk (including the screen) shakes! Sometimes, even one side the plate (base) rises from the desk!

Well - if the plate rises the problem certainly isn't the stiffness of the spring, it's you applying too much force and probably just a matter of getting used to the stick.

Rarely happens to me too when I get startled as in e.g. being in a RES on the dark side of the planet and suddenly, an asteroid I wasn't aware off suddenly appears in my headlights, but as much as I like and recommend it, it's not really made for that.
the reason I write this: As sturdy as it is, the cables running through the ball-joint are a bit vulnerable - it's a common problem and I've personally broken one that way before (after three years of use).

I did regrease my first one - didn't deem it necessary for the new one as the stiction problems were fixed in the new one.

geoffrey.hdt · Aug 7, 2015

CATPAIN KIRK said:
Well - if the plate rises the problem certainly isn't the stiffness of the spring, it's you applying too much force and probably just a matter of getting used to the stick.

Well, less tension would require less force to move the stick from one end to another. With the x52, i never had this problem and never thought about it.
Anyway, found the little springs at Lowes. If they have them in stock, i will give a try to the mod this weekend.

EDIT: What do you think about the extra stiffness of some of the buttons? Do you know a mod to improve that? Or do you play with leather gloves maybe, as the original stick was designed for? Kidding...or not...OK I stop now

tetra · Aug 7, 2015

Would personally give it a few weeks before you bother trying to mod it. I had the same initial reaction when I first got mine a year and a bit ago, also coming from an X52. I found it way too stiff and the buttons way too firm to be enjoyable, even if it's due to it accurately replicating the A-10's one. However after a few weeks of constant usage in DCS I became completely comfortable with it to the point where I was very glad I didn't make any adjustments or attempt to mod it. Your arm/hand/fingers will soon adjust if you give them a chance and I personally don't feel any changes to the spring will give you as %110 perfect centring and fine control so close to the middle as it does stock.

CATPAIN KIRK · Aug 7, 2015

geoffrey.hdt said:
EDIT: What do you think about the extra stiffness of some of the buttons? Do you know a mod to improve that? Or do you play with leather gloves maybe, as the original stick was designed for? Kidding...or not...OK I stop now

My hands turned leathery due to using it

- anyway - make sure you use TARGET to make it really useful...

geoffrey.hdt · Aug 7, 2015

CATPAIN KIRK said:
My hands turned leathery due to using it - anyway - make sure you use TARGET to make it really useful...

Yep, Target all the way, much better (and reliable) than the profile editor that comes with the x52 pro!
Now if I could get a use of these triple switches on the upper part of the throttle...but how do you even access these conveniently anyway?

CATPAIN KIRK · Aug 8, 2015

geoffrey.hdt said:
Now if I could get a use of these triple switches on the upper part of the throttle...but how do you even access these conveniently anyway?

I use the top two as landing gear and cargo scoop switches. The next three switches are reserved for winamp (next/previous song, volume+/- and the APU start switch is for play/pause).

The pervert I am, I usually access them using my fingers (fun fact for Kids and the facebok crowd, you don't need to see your fingers to touch things - use the force).

Notwyn · Aug 8, 2015

Like the others I would not recommend adjusting anything yet. I've had mine for three years now flying DCS and Falcon and after the first few weeks I didn't notice the spring tension at all. As long as it's smooth and no stiction it will be fine. If you do need to grease it (some apparently had terrible stiction issues) go to the Eagle Dynamic (another ED) forums they have excellent videos etc on "how to".

lysan · Aug 8, 2015

Yes it's a difficult stick to use. However it feels a lot like the real thing so you will get used to it. If not you can always extend the base and by that make it more easy to handle. If you fly helicopters it's pretty demanding to use, so I only use it for jets and props including ED. When I fly helicopters I use this one.

geoffrey.hdt · Aug 10, 2015

Hi guys,

I have replaced the 4 little springs on bottom by some stronger ones, kept the big spring on top and confirm this reduces the stiffness by about less than half, while keeping a perfect centering.
I'd invite anybody to give it a try since it's so easy to disassemble the base of the stick.

Here are the springs I used, available at Lowes:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_422418-37672-543040___?productId=3925329&pl=1&Ntt=spring

[HJ]-RedRaven · Aug 10, 2015

Interesting mod, will have some application to those who like the lighter touch.

I'll admit I got a sore hand and wrist from using my (Warthog) hotas for a while. But I got used to it and now don't think twice.

geoffrey.hdt · Aug 26, 2015

Hey guys,
Just wanted to give a shout after testing two weeks the warthog with stronger springs (the little ones): IT'S AWESOME!

Way less pressure needed to move the stick.
Perfect centering, when releasing the stick from ANY angle.

And also...OK, not technical matter but...I now win ALL interdictions against players! I mean, I went from loosing them all with my wobbly decentered X52 pro to winning ALL OF THEM with this beauty!

cow_simulator · Nov 6, 2015

I just ordered the same springs and so I can perform the same mod. I hope together with the Mkote 44M grease replacement I've already done, that this stick will be able to mid air refuel without extra throw. How is your stick holding up 2 months later?

geoffrey.hdt · Nov 6, 2015

I did not add any grease.
2 months later, the centering is still perfect, I don't feel any friction of some kind.
Absolutely no regret that I switched from x52 pro to the Warthog!

cow_simulator · Nov 6, 2015

Thanks for the fast reply. Not only did I regrease my stick, but I also sanded all the harsh edges and lips off the ball assembly with 1000grit sandpaper. It's amazing just how jagged that mechanism can be. I can't wait until I get the new springs.