The RockShox SID SL Ultimate 3P is a premium, lightweight suspension fork tailored for cross-country racing. Built with a 32mm chassis, Charger Race Day 2 damper, and 3-position remote lockout, it demands precise and consistent servicing to maintain peak performance. Whether you’re a racer or a weekend warrior, understanding how to properly service your SID SL Ultimate 3P at home can enhance its lifespan, sensitivity, and responsiveness on the trail.
Tools Required
- 24mm socket or flat wrench (for top caps)
- 2.5mm, 5mm, and 6mm hex wrenches
- Torque wrench [paid link]
- Clean syringe or RockShox Bleed Kit [paid link]
- Suspension-specific grease (e.g., SRAM Butter)
- 0W-30 or 5W suspension oil
- Lower leg oil (15wt)
- Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher)
- Clean microfiber cloths
- Plastic or soft-faced mallet
- Drain pan
- Pick tool
- Seal kit (if replacing seals)
- New foam rings (recommended during every lower leg service)
Disassembling the Fork for Service
To begin servicing, remove the fork from the bike and ensure the remote cable is disconnected from the 3P damper assembly. Place the fork upside down in a bike stand [paid link] or securely on a bench.
Remove the lower legs by unscrewing the bottom bolts partially and tapping them gently with a mallet to dislodge the foot nuts. Carefully slide off the lower legs over a pan to catch old oil. Expect about 10-15ml per leg of 15wt oil to drain.
Clean all components thoroughly using isopropyl alcohol. Avoid aggressive scrubbing on internal surfaces to prevent damage to coatings.
Inspecting and Replacing Seals and Foam Rings
The SID SL Ultimate 3P benefits from periodic lower leg service, typically every 50 hours of riding. Inspect the wiper seals for wear or cracking. Replace them if any deformation or brittleness is found.
Remove the foam rings under the seals, clean them thoroughly, and soak new or cleaned rings in fresh 15wt oil. Reinstall the foam rings followed by new or cleaned seals, ensuring a flush and even seating.
Use suspension grease lightly around the seal lips and stanchions to aid smooth reassembly and initial lubrication.
Servicing the Air Spring
Unscrew the left top cap with a 24mm socket. Slowly depressurize the air spring if it wasn’t already bled during disassembly. Remove the air shaft using a 2.5mm hex if necessary. Inspect the air piston and seals. Re-grease all dynamic seals with suspension-specific grease.
Slide the air spring assembly back into the stanchion, torque the top cap to the manufacturer’s recommended specification, and re-pressurize to your desired PSI setting after full reassembly.
Maintaining the Charger Race Day 2 Damper
The 3P (three-position) remote-adjust damper inside the SID SL Ultimate 3P is a closed bladder unit and typically not serviceable by home mechanics. However, external maintenance, including cleaning and ensuring cable actuation is smooth, can prevent early wear.
Check the torque on the damper side top cap. Inspect remote cable routing for sharp bends or fraying. If damper oil contamination is suspected (i.e., oil leaking from top cap or mushy feel in compression), consult a RockShox-certified service center for a full rebuild.
Reassembling the Fork
With fresh oil in the lower legs (10-15ml of 15wt per leg), slide the lower legs back onto the stanchions. Ensure proper alignment to avoid bushing wear. Gently seat the lowers and install the foot bolts. Torque bolts to specification using a torque wrench [paid link].
Check for smooth travel and that there’s no binding or excessive resistance. If using a remote lockout, test all three positions—Open, Pedal, Lock—ensuring each clicks with distinct feel.
Optimizing Suspension Performance
To tailor your SID SL Ultimate 3P to your weight and riding terrain:
- Adjust air pressure based on your body weight and riding preference (typically 60-90 PSI for XC riders).
- Set sag at 20-25% of total travel for optimal responsiveness.
- Use the remote switch to switch between open (descending), pedal (trail), and lock (climbing) modes as needed.
Log your settings to repeat them easily after future services or travel.
Common Set-Up Issues and Fixes
Riders often encounter improper sag, stiff initial stroke, or stuck compression modes. Most issues stem from:
- Incorrect air pressure (use a digital shock pump).
- Dry or dirty seals (perform lower leg service).
- Misadjusted or frayed remote cable (re-route or replace).
Addressing these at home prevents escalation into larger service needs.
Compatibility and Tuning Upgrades
The SID SL Ultimate 3P uses a 100mm travel setup with a 44mm offset. It is compatible with 29” wheels and works optimally with RockShox remote levers like the TwistLoc.
The fork pairs well with SRAM and RockShox drivetrains and suspension systems. While it uses proprietary internals like the Charger Race Day 2 damper, most tuning upgrades, including debonair air shafts or volume spacers, are not applicable to this ultralight race fork.
Comparing the SID SL Ultimate 3P to Similar Models
Compared to the SID Ultimate (non-SL), the SL version is lighter due to narrower stanchions and a weight-optimized chassis. It sacrifices some stiffness but delivers unmatched XC efficiency.
The 3P damper offers a distinct advantage over simpler lockouts found in lower-end forks by enabling riders to adapt on the fly. However, its sealed nature makes home service more limited.
For racers focused on every gram and pedaling efficiency, the SID SL Ultimate 3P remains a top-tier choice.
Conclusion
Proper maintenance of the RockShox SID SL Ultimate 3P can greatly extend its life and keep it performing at elite levels. Performing routine lower leg services, monitoring air pressure, and ensuring clean, smooth remote function are all achievable at home. For more intensive damper services, professional support is recommended, but basic upkeep ensures you get the most out of this premium XC fork.