Milgard Window Balance

Thanks for posting. If the shoe is 1-3/32" deep, then this is an S385-27. For a stamp option choose 2640. Let me know if you have further questions. 

Thanks for reaching out to us. Bob's out this week, but I'll do my best to assist you.

A noisy spring is usually indicative of a greater issue. In a worst case scenario, it's a sign that it's about to break. The culprit is usually an improperly calibrated spring or a cord that's not long enough.

Before I say anything for sure, I'd like to confirm a few details first. I see that you bought our S385-27 per Bob's suggestion, and I agree that this was the right call. Based on your photos, stamp, etc. this is definitely the match for your original hardware. But I do wonder now if maybe there's some variance we didn't anticipate.

To start, can you tell me the precise weight of your sash, down to the ounce? Can you also show me a photo of the hook at the end of the cord on the balance we sent you? I also want to see a picture of the hole in the jamb where you installed that hook.

Right now I have two theories: either the 2640 stamp is not the right calibration (despite matching your original), or the cord wasn't put in the right hole. Sometimes the jamb has multiple slots to take the hook without it being clear which one is correct, which could potentially limit the travel of the cord.

Thanks for verifying, that's a huge help. I consulted with one of my colleagues and the two of us agree that it would be an issue with the metal hook at the end of the cord. Looking at your photo above there is a slight difference in style. This usually isn't an issue, but my colleague has observed that some older windows on the west coast have trouble with the modern hook style. That may be the issue here.

However, you said that another, identical balance in your order worked perfectly fine in the same application. Can you tell me how many of these you installed from this order? I'm curious if only one balance presented this issue, or if this was a common occurrence.

In the meantime, I'll look into the possibility of us getting a hold of this older clip style. These aren't really made anymore but I'll see what I can do!

Gotcha, thank you. That's a huge help. We agree over here that it sounds like just that one balance was likely defective. What we're going to do now is send you a new one, free of charge, to make up for it. You will receive an email regarding that shortly with tracking information.

I'm very sorry for the inconvenience, and I really appreciate you checking all these details for me. We like to be thorough in these matters. However based on the data you provided we feel pretty confident that it was just one balance that has a manufacturing issue with the block and tackle system. If it was a problem with the hook or weight in general then you would hear that same noise on all of them.

Thanks for your understanding and please let me know if we can be of any further assistance.

You're very welcome! Sorry again for the inconvenience, but hopefully the rest of the project goes smoothly. And we appreciate the recommendations, of course.

Please feel free to reach out if we can be of any further assistance. We're always here to help.