Do I need to replace my coil?
Hello! This is a very good question. When you start hearing loud noises when you open and close your windows, then it's usually a sign that the springs are losing their tension and need to be replaced. Unfortunately, there's not really a test or anything you can do to confirm this. It's sort of something you just have to get a sense for.
One thing that may help is going by the age of the springs. Most coil balance springs last for about 10 to 15 years, depending on how often the window is used. If your springs are around that old then they probably need to be replaced.
We can help you with that process, if you'd like. If you were to show us a photo of the pivot shoe to which the coils attach, then we can recommend a match for everything that goes with it. Let me know!
Hey, Pat. I'm afraid that's not a pivot shoe, that's just the cover of the spring itself. The pivot shoe is what the spring connects to at the bottom. If you can show me that, I can tell you for sure what these springs are.
To be safe, I'd also like to know how thick the springs are.
Yep, that's exactly it. That's our 15-111 pivot shoe, which is compatible with both the 3/8" thick Series 165 and 1/2" thick Series 160 coil balance. You'll need to get the thickness of your old spring to confirm the better choice. You'll also need the stamp off the old spring to confirm which weight option to go with.
Removing the coil balance from the window will be necessary. Refer to the video below for instructions on how this is done.
There won't be any code, sticker, or tag on your window that tells you what these are. These can only be identified by going by their physical attributes. Window manufacturers would rather you buy a new window instead of just a tiny part whenever the tiny part breaks, so they don't want to make it easy for you. This is just how these parts are designed.
I believe my original recommendation still stands. Since the spring is 1/2" thick, you want the Series 160. I'm afraid I can't read that stamp, though, so you'll have to find a spring with a readable stamp.
If your windows are all different sizes, but are otherwise identical, then it's reasonable to assume that they use the same balance system with different configurations; by that I mean a different number of springs per side, different stamps, stuff like that. You'll need to check each window.
