Spring noise when closing window

Quick Learner from San Francisco

Feb 24, 2015 10:52 pm

I ordered a few S351 27" Sash balances. I have installed them and the weight seems right. When closing the balance the springs make a loud twang noise.
Youtube video http://youtu.be/dq68VzpiqpY

Strictly I think I should have ordered the S390, but I don't think that this is the issue as there is a very small difference between the two. A picture of the old Caldwell sash balance is attached.

Before I order some more sash balances can you suggest why this could be the case.

User submitted photos of a window balance.

6 Replies

Paul from SWISCO

Feb 26, 2015 2:12 pm

Sorry to hear you're having trouble. Looking at your order, you ordered two different weights. Which one is giving you the issue? It also appears that you ordered S351-28 balances, not S351-27. Can you confirm what you have?

Quick Learner from San frnacisco

Feb 26, 2015 8:18 pm

I installed S351-28 option 2760. So you are right they are 28" and match the length of the metal for the balances being replaced.

Paul from SWISCO

Feb 27, 2015 9:46 am

Thanks! I checked our inventory for the the S351-28 2760 balances and the spring movement is quiet on every part I checked. We also use a recessed chord hook on the balance so that the knot doesn't rub on the track. I'm at a loss for why it's making noise.

Does the window track have any dents or cuts? Is it hard to lower the sash because the spring strength (2760) is too strong? Keep in mind that a stamp option of 2760 can carry a window sash weight of 30 through 33 pounds. Finally, is there too much play with the sash (side to side, specifically) when operating? These are questions from the balance manufacturer. Please let me know and we can work from there!

Quick Learner from Bay Area

Jun 17, 2021 12:58 am

Hello, I hope it is alright to revive this conversation. I am running into almost the exact same issue described here. I am using S385-24 option 2365. Only the balance on one side makes this noise, and it appears to be in the same spot, near closing. The other 5 balances I ordered work perfectly fine. I checked the track and it is clean. There does not appear to be too much play. I have yet to try switching balances from each side and see if it is still noisy.

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 23, 2021 9:19 am

Hello! Thanks for reaching out to us. Based on the description of your problem, it sounds like it may be time to replace the balances altogether. That sound you describe is usually a prelude to the springs finally dying, or even the pulley system breaking and coming undone.

You have to figure that balances like yours typically last 10-15 years, depending how often they're used. So if your windows are around that old then these balances are definitely reaching the end of their lifespan.