MTB Fork Cartridges and Spares

MTB fork damper cartridges, volume spacers and spare parts

Everything that can be replaced inside or on a fork without replacing the whole unit: the hydraulic damper cartridge that defines its feel, the volume spacers that adjust progression, and the small spare parts that always end up missing.

Volume spacers: the most cost-effective tuning option

• A volume spacer takes up space in the positive air chamber: less air volume means a more progressive spring curve and a firmer ramp-up at the end of the stroke.
• Add some if you bottom out regularly even though your sag is set correctly.
• Remove some if you never use the last few centimetres of travel, even on big hits.
• The maximum number depends on the fork model and travel: exceeding it compresses the air to the point of making the end of the stroke unusable.
• It is a straightforward task requiring no special tools that genuinely transforms fork performance.

Hydraulic damper cartridges

• Motion Control, Charger, Charger 2.1, Charger 3 from RockShox; Grip, Grip2 from Fox. They stand out for the quality of high-speed compression control and the range of adjustments available.
• On a mid-range fork, fitting an upgraded damper cartridge costs considerably less than a brand new fork and completely transforms performance.
• Each cartridge is specific to a particular model and generation : a Charger 3 damper cannot be installed in just any lower leg.

Small spare parts

• Rebound and compression adjustment dials, often lost or damaged in a crash.
• Hose guides and fork lower leg hardware.
• Valve caps, valve cores, and stanchion top caps.
• Air spring kits and pistons, for a full service overhaul.

Note the exact part number

RockShox and Fox categorise their parts by model, year and generation (A1, B1, C1, D1, etc.). Two forks sharing the same model name three years apart might not share a single spare part. The part number listed on the product page is your most reliable reference; it is usually laser-etched onto the original part.

To find out more: How to service your MTB suspension fork

See also: MTB fork seal kits · 29-inch MTB suspension forks · MTB rear shocks