Rebound Damping Fine Tuning: Figure 5
To adjust the MARS Elite and MARS Super
Simply rotate the rebound-damping knob located on bot-
tom of the right leg. Rotating the knob clockwise will
increase the damping, rotating the knob counter clock-
wise will reduce the damping. Excessive rebound damp-
ing will give you a harsh ride over repetitive bumps (like
braking bumps) because the fork will pack up.
Insufficient rebound damping will make the fork overac-
tive, top out and slap back when landing from a jump.
We suggest that you try adjusting your fork on the active
side with minimum rebound. Then try it over a variety of
terrain and tune in more rebound from there.
For additional tuning tips we recommend that you obtain a copy of the MRD tuning Manual P/N 85-
3696 (download from the web at www.answerproducts.com) and check out the MRD Race Tuning kits
available at your dealer.
VI. TROUBLE SHOOTING
Fork seems to top out or has a slight clunking feel when front wheel comes off the ground:
Excessive preload or insufficient rebound damping will result in a top out. Select spring’s that
better fit your weight and riding style, set the air pressure to a mid to low range, and increase the
rebound damping to eliminate top out.
The fork feels less active and is not getting the travel it used to when it was new:
Chances are that the fork is developing stiction. Cleaning Microlube and applying light oil to the
stanchions should eliminate the problem.
Outer legs feel loose on inner legs and bushings, a knock or rock can be felt when pushed from side
to side: A very minute knock is normal with the new harder bushings. If the knock is excessive or
you can feel the fork rocking then the bushings should be removed and replaced. To do this contact
Answer Products or an authorized Manitou Dealer.
A small amount of oil seems to be leaking from top of the right leg at the adjuster cap:
If you store the 2001 MARS Fork upside down for a extended period of time a small amount of oil
may leak through the adjuster cap / knob assembly. The cap area is not subjected to damping
pressure under normal use. So you will not see any leakage with the fork right-side up.. A small
leak in that area will not affect the performance of the fork or cause any type of damage. We rec-
ommend that you store your Manitou right side up. If this condition causes any problems please
contact your Answer Products dealer or call our warranty tech department for prompt service.
