This is the stick that I use regularly.
I never installed the drivers, and use the windows calibration tool for generic flight sticks, and seems to work ok.
If the driver software didn't help, and windows default doesn't help, either, then maybe the sensitivities can be calibrated in your sim...
Hope this helps...

I use the X-45 in both FS9 and FSX, default drivers. I've not had any problems using the in game control settings to calibrate, assign or adjust sensitivity. Are the sensitivity sliders not available, or do changes just have no effect?

The X-45 spring: the remedy that I used (1 of several found on the web, including your
tie method), was to shorten the spring.  I cut turns off from the TOP of the spring. Don't recall how many I removed, but I have 4 1/4 turns including the bottom 'flat' turn. Now have near zero tension when centered. Though it was suggested to disassemble the stick to trim spring I just held the spring with a small pliers and cut it with a Dremel.

Also keep the centering disc clean and lubed. I found candle wax to be the best and longest lasting. Clean and rub wax on the centering ring and disc and the center post that the disc slides on.

Never did like the X-45 rudder, so repurposed an old joystick as a 'T' bar rudder.

Rudder assigned to Y axis, controlled using downward toe pressure.   

Quote:


My 1st thought is....do you have the right device selected and are the sliders for 'normal' mode, not 'slew' mode?

G.K. wrote on Dec 3^rd, 2011 at 7:44am:


Oh my. I would have thought that was an original idea, for sure. Same problem, and same solution. I put black ties on mine. 3 of em. wierd...

Funny how that worked, just wanted to point that out...

I don't know about the candle wax idea, and hadn't thought of that. Sounds good. I was using a liquid graphite paste on mine, and it seems to work, but that may even be better (and surely cheaper).