Need help identifying the spiral balance and pivot shoe type (black, blue, red?)

Question

Hi, I'm not able to identify which spiral balance and pivot shoe replacement type to use as there is no color coding for the existing one. The current spiral balance is 28" long and 3/8" wide. I think the pivot shoe is 5/8", but couldn't get an exact measurement because I don't know how to get it out of the track. How is that done? The window is about 16 years old. I've attached pictures of both.

Please help.
Marty

User submitted photos of a window balance.

Paul · Accepted Answer

Being as the thickness of the balance tube is 3/8", our S900-28 spiral balance should be a match. We will need the weight of the sash to determine the balance color code. To remove the pivot shoe, I placed some helpful media guides on this page for you to review. Once you remove the pivot shoe, we will need the width and thickness. Last, but certainly not least, we need to see the pivot bar that goes in the pivot shoe center cam.