Sliding/Tilt windows HELP

A quick learner from Horntown, VA "Eastern Shore" says:
September 29, 2011
We just bought a 2007 home 2500miles from where I'm used to living. 5 windows of an unknown manufacturer don't stay up. Some hinge part is broken and the twisty channel thing is snapped on at least one. We did manage to locate one "handyman" for the area who stopped by and said I needed to buy whole new windows. Even with the lousy pictures, can you identify the hinge part I need for most of them? Can you possibly guess as to the broken twisty thing and let me know if it's something I can read how to fix? We're pretty remote here.
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Tom from SWISCO responded:
September 29, 2011
Well, windows not staying is normally a sign of bad Window Balances, AKA "the broken twisty thing."

More specifically, it looks like you have Spiral Balances.

See if you can get the balances out of the windows and then take a few pictures of them.

Along with those images, please give us the length of the tube portion of the balance only, do not include the tip or the spiral portion with your length measurement.

Also, see if the tip of the balance (where the spiral comes out of the tube) is colored-- let us know the color.
A quick learner from Horntown, VA "Eastern Shore" says:
October 20, 2011
Mike, I apologize for the delay... life got in the way.

I have removed a spiral balance from one of the broken windows and determined it is 38 inches in size with a green tip. If only one side is broken, should I replace both as a precaution?

In removing the channel to access the spiral balance, a piece flew out at me. Please advise as to item and it's use, besides dodgeball practice.

Can you also advise as the part numbers on the sash side piece, and if I should replace the frame side piece?

Any suggestions as to how to get the shoe out of the window channel? I don't see any screws or bolts.

By the way, would the side piece replacement be a standard replacement for each of the malfunctioning windows or just for this one in particular?

Thank you your company and the internet for being so helpful. Other than finding the correct tools and techniques it hasn't been too terrible...of course I'm far from done.
A customer submitted photo of a window balance.
A customer submitted photo of a pivot shoe and pivot pin.
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Tom from SWISCO responded:
October 21, 2011
Thanks for the pictures!

For the pivot bar, please take a look at the Swisco 26-326 Acorn Pivot Bar (you will need to try to reuse your current screws), and the 15-179 for the Pivot Lock Shoe.

As for the balance, since we do not carry a 38" Series 900, we can create a custom balance for you.

To get started, please fill out this Custom Balance Order Form.

After you submit the order form, one of our representatives will be in contact with you regarding the custom balance.
Pivot Bar
Pivot Bar
26-326
$1.95
Pivot Lock Shoe, 9/16" Thick
Pivot Lock Shoe, 9/16" Thick
15-179
$2.57
Removing Rusted Pivot Bars
Removing Rusted Pivot Bars
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Anatomy of a tilt window
Anatomy of a tilt window
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How to Remove a Pivot Shoe (Cutout Method)
How to Remove a Pivot Shoe (Cutout Method)
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How to remove window pivot shoes
How to remove window pivot shoes
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