Spiral Balances Make Noises After Replacement of Pivot Shoes

Question

I recently purchased and installed new pivot shoes for all the windows in the house. The installation was successful and all windows now work well. However, some of the spiral balances now make noises when the windows are raised and lowered (I made a brief recording of the sound they make but this page does not accept sound file attachments.) How big a problem might this be and what is your suggestion as to how to deal with it?

Paul · Accepted Answer

Good question. Your original window balance spirals may need to be sprayed with some white grease. Without removing the window balances, just raise the sash a few inches up, tilt in and remove the sash so you can apply the grease to the expose spirals. Then install the sash and see if that reduce the noise.