Spiral tilt window balance

Question

Hi, I am posting messages on all the different parts. See attached picture. The bottom end was not connected and my windows slides down when I open it. When it was screwed into the window. The spiral part was coming out of the top. Again, not connected at the bottom. I was able to take a pair of pliers and pull it back down. I know I will need a spiral charging tool to put it back. My question is? Are these still good. It is 29 inches long. The last 8 to 9 Inches is a little rusty. Both end seem to be fine. Again, not sure why it was not connected got to the pivot shoe. Or is this a common problem and they need to be replaced.

Can only post 5 pictures so 8 did not post them all.

User submitted photos of a window balance.

Paul · Accepted Answer

There is a chance that your balances are still good, yes. You won't know until you try charging them again. When you do, you should feel tension start to build. After 2-3 turns, they will be in working order again.

If you do not feel tension build after 2-3 turns, though, then the springs are likely shot and it's time for new balances.

As for why it was disconnected from the pivot shoe, I can't say. Is it possible the pivot shoe broke?