diff --git a/src/sinqAxis.h b/src/sinqAxis.h
index 4bb77e0..212334f 100644
--- a/src/sinqAxis.h
+++ b/src/sinqAxis.h
@@ -450,8 +450,10 @@ class HIDDEN sinqAxis : public asynMotorAxis {
     void setTargetPosition(double targetPosition);
 
   private:
-    std::unique_ptr<sinqAxisImpl> pSinqA_;
+    // Ordering matters because pC_ is initialized before pSinqA_ in the
+    // constructor
     sinqController *pC_;
+    std::unique_ptr<sinqAxisImpl> pSinqA_;
 };
 
 // =============================================================================