So I recently bought a used Precision Pro (with the USB dongle). Had to open it up to fix a stuck button, which wasn't a big issue. However, there is this weird issue where moving the stick on the X/Y axis can cause input on the Z (aka twist) axis. This effect is usually slight, but extremely pronounced if I move the stick from the top left corner to the bottom left corner (-> maximum "left" twist) or from top left to top right (-> maximum "right" twist).

I'm 100% sure that I'm not accidentally twisting the stick. I also checked the input via the Windows controller configuration tool, and it shows the same issue, so I'm reasonably confident it's not a software problem. I completely disassembled all user-accessible parts to make sure the sensor is properly attached to its bracket (turns out it can "slip out" sometimes during disassembly).

Frankly, I'm a bit stumped. Given the sticks mechanical construction, I don't see how it could be moving the sensor incorrectly. And the big selling point of the Sidewinder's digital optical sensors is that they are supposed to be immune to wear&tear and artifactual outputs. Anyone have any ideas on what could be causing this?