[SEE]

Unfortunately, the X52 uses a Analog mouse (unlike the X45 which is Digital and made up of four mcroswitches). It sounds like one of the mouse resistive pressure pads has failed or is no longer connected due to a failure (electrical/mechanical) and the Stick can no longer auto calibrate at switch on. Generally speaking - if the mouse becomes faulty then none of the axis will work as the in built micro chip scans the mouse reference voltage first - any problems here and it stops other axis controls working.

I have repaired (and used the X52's for a custom stick project) so know them pretty well inside out technically.

If the mouse has suffered a fatigue break on the PCB it may be possible to repair it but you will need to dismantle the throttle and carefully examine it. The same applies to the wiring to the mouse unit - the solder joints in these sticks is very hit and miss as they are all hand soldered during manufacture.

Also worth removing the base and checking the wiring loom that exits the throttle unit. The loom separates into two multi connectors and fatigue breaks can occur but since you say that there is an obvious proble with the 'feel' of the mouse then it sounds like therein lies the problem.

You could put it up for sale as faulty on Ebay and use the proceeds towards another one.