Order Replacement S600-16 jams up

Question

I received my order today.
I installed the pair of S600-16 blue-tip spiral balances, charged them with the tool, and reinstalled the window sash.
One spiral balancer jams. I can pull it down to closed but when I try to raise the window it goes fine for about 3 inches (hurray - it was broken springs on the old balancers) and then jams up. The spiral piece will not go back into the tube. This causes the assembly to bow out as I lift the window.
When I remove the sash and it's not under stress it does go in, not sure if it's smoothly enough.
Did I damage it in installation?  Was it defective?  Can I repair it? Must I order another balancer?
Its spring itself still works fine.

Paul · Accepted Answer

Are the new balances the same length as old? Did you charge the balance with 2 or 3 turns? Did you lock spiral in the same notch as the old balance in pivot shoe? Something is preventing spiral from rewinding in tube as you raise window. Before reinstalling balance, hold balance in one hand and with the other hand slide spiral up and down in tube. See if it slides easily.