The RockShox Pike Ultimate Charger 3 represents a top-tier suspension solution designed for trail and all-mountain riders who demand precision damping and improved small bump sensitivity. This detailed guide walks you through the full rebuild process of the Pike Ultimate Charger 3 suspension fork. It also includes critical adjustment, maintenance, compatibility, and optimization insights specific to this model only.
Tools Required
- 2.5mm, 4mm, and 5mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
- Torque wrench [paid link] (preset for low torque ranges)
- Pick tool or small flathead screwdriver
- RockShox 200-hour service kit (specific to Pike Ultimate Charger 3)
- Suspension-specific grease and oil (Pike 0W-30 or as per RockShox specs)
- Clean rags and isopropyl alcohol (99%)
- Plastic syringe for oil measurement
- Vice with soft jaw inserts
- Seal driver kit for 35mm stanchions
Disassembly of the Pike Ultimate Charger 3
Begin by removing the fork from the bike. Before you do this, make sure the air is fully released from the fork using a shock pump or valve tool. Remove the lower leg bolts using a 5mm Allen wrench [paid link] and gently tap them with a mallet to disengage the internal shafts. Drain the oil by inverting the fork over a waste container.
Once the lower legs are separated, inspect the foam rings, wiper seals, and bushings. All these components are included in the 200-hour service kit and should be replaced.
Removing the Charger 3 Damper
To remove the Charger 3 damper, loosen the damper side top cap using a 24mm socket. Carefully slide the damper out, holding it upright to prevent oil spillage. Keep note of the rebound and compression settings, as you’ll need to recalibrate them post-reassembly.
The air spring assembly on the opposite side requires removal of the top cap with a cassette tool. Pull the air spring out gently, noting any excess grease or signs of wear.
Inspection and Cleaning
Thoroughly clean all internal components using isopropyl alcohol. Inspect stanchions for scoring or damage, which can compromise fork performance. Check the damper bladder for leakage or swelling. All rubber seals should be soft and pliable—any hardened or torn seals must be replaced.
Rebuilding and Reassembly
Installing New Seals and Foam Rings
Use a seal driver to install new wiper seals. Lightly grease the foam rings and insert them into the lower legs. Be sure not to over-grease, as excess grease can attract debris and increase wear.
Reinstalling the Air Spring and Damper
Apply suspension grease to the air spring assembly and slide it back into the left stanchion. Torque the top cap to manufacturer specification using your torque wrench [paid link].
Insert the Charger 3 damper back into the right stanchion. Refill with the specified amount of suspension fluid (typically 27-30ml per leg). Torque the damper top cap precisely to avoid damaging the crown threads.
Lower Leg Reinstallation
Slide the lower legs onto the stanchions carefully to avoid damaging the new seals. Reinstall the bolts at the bottom using a torque wrench. Add bath oil to each leg before final assembly.
Cycle the fork several times to distribute the oil evenly before reinstalling onto the bike.
Post-Rebuild Adjustments
Once reinstalled, reinflate the air spring to your rider-specific pressure. Set sag between 20-30%, depending on terrain preference. Re-tune rebound and compression to previous settings or start from RockShox baseline recommendations.
Test the fork under load and adjust high-speed compression for impact support and low-speed for climbing efficiency.
Troubleshooting Common Rebuild Issues
Persistent squishiness or spiking: This may indicate improper oil volume or air in the damper. Recheck fill quantities and bleed procedures.
Uneven travel or harsh top-out: Inspect the negative air chamber. An imbalance here typically causes these symptoms. Verify correct air migration across the piston.
Inconsistent damping: Damper shaft seals may be improperly seated. Fully disassemble and check for misalignment or contamination in the bladder area.
Customization and Optimization
The Pike Ultimate Charger 3 supports aftermarket upgrades like ButterCups and tokens for volume tuning. Riders can add Bottomless Tokens to increase progression and prevent bottom-out on aggressive trails. For smoother damping, consider running lower rebound with added air pressure.
You can further tailor fork performance using RockShox’s TrailHead app, which gives precise air spring and damper setting recommendations based on rider weight and terrain type.
Compatibility with Drivetrain and Frame Standards
The Pike Ultimate Charger 3 is compatible with 110mm Boost hubs and 29” or 27.5” wheels depending on the specific fork variant. Ensure your frame accommodates the 44mm offset and steerer tube length. Rotor size up to 200mm is supported, making it suitable for aggressive trail braking setups.
It’s important to pair this fork with a robust headset and tapered steerer-compatible head tube. Additionally, due to its air-sprung design, it integrates seamlessly with lightweight trail bikes and mid-travel all-mountain setups.
Comparisons with Similar Forks
Compared to the Pike Select+ and Pike Base, the Pike Ultimate Charger 3 offers a more refined Charger 3 damper, improved seal design, and increased tunability. Unlike the Select+, which uses the Charger RC2 damper, the Ultimate model features independent high- and low-speed compression adjusters for better control.
In terms of competition, the Fox 34 Factory GRIP2 fork is its closest rival. However, the Charger 3 damper offers slightly better mid-stroke support and is easier to service at home, making the Pike Ultimate more user-friendly for at-home mechanics.
Conclusion
Rebuilding the RockShox Pike Ultimate Charger 3 is an essential part of maintaining peak performance. With precision tools and attention to detail, this fork can continue delivering elite trail performance long after the initial break-in period. Always use the correct service intervals and genuine parts to preserve the ride quality that makes the Pike Ultimate a class-leading suspension fork.