Broken Window balances?

A home owner from Elgin, IL. says:
How do I go about repairing these? I have 2 windows, only one side is broken on each. Do they both sides need replacing or just the broken side? Is this normal wear and tear? How long do the windows last?

Thanks,
Lisa S
Spiral balance and Pivot shoe
Profile picture of Paul
Paul from SWISCO responded:
Thanks for posting, Lisa. The company that made your balance system has gone out of business, but we can still help. I would recommend our newer style 15-046 pivot shoe and Series 600 balance with a 5/8" diameter tube. Please note that our balance tubes are metal, not plastic, but it should work just as well (if not better).

For spiral balances, we suggest replacing both sides at the same time to keep the tension even. Window balances usually last ten to twenty years depending on frequency of use and environment.
How to replace a tilt window spiral balance.
How to replace a tilt window spiral balance.
VIDEO
WATCH >
How to Identify a Replacement Spiral Balance
How to Identify a Replacement Spiral Balance
VIDEO
WATCH >
How to Remove a Pivot Shoe (Cutout Method)
How to Remove a Pivot Shoe (Cutout Method)
VIDEO
WATCH >
Swisco's 15-046 Pivot Lock Shoe
Swisco's 15-046 Pivot Lock Shoe
VIDEO
WATCH >
How to remove window pivot shoes
How to remove window pivot shoes
VIDEO
WATCH >
Anatomy of a tilt window
Anatomy of a tilt window
VIDEO
WATCH >
How to choose the proper spiral balance tip color
How to choose the proper spiral balance tip color
GUIDE
READ >
How to adjust a spiral balance on a tilt window
How to adjust a spiral balance on a tilt window
GUIDE
READ >
Reply to Thread
Use this form to ask a follow-up question or to share your experience regarding this subject.
(your email address will be kept private and is only used to inform you when a response has been made)
Current wait time is 3-4 business days
We promise that one of our experts will personally get back to you as soon as they are able. Thank you very much for your patience and understanding. If your inquiry is time-sensitive, please feel free to reach us at (888) 991-1929 or at help@swisco.com.