Stuck balancer replacement

Question

I have a Milgard vinyl window in the garage that is stuck in the closed position. I believe the balancer has detached from the sash at an unexpected time. In the pic, I think I am looking at the body of the balancer even though the sash is in the lowered position. I would like to replace the balancer and any other broken parts of the window, but I cant remove the sash. Do you have any advice? I am open to destroying the balancer to save the window (since I'll likely be replacing the balancer anyway).

Jasmine · Accepted Answer

Hey there,

Your window balance appears to be jammed in the window. This typically occurs when the top sash guide, located at the top corners of the window, become damaged. That said, you'll need to consider replacing those as well.

I'll need to see clear photos of the top and bottom attachments from the balance to identify the replacements. As for the top sash guide, I'll need to see an undamaged version from a front facing view and from a side profile.

The video below provides a detailed demonstration on how to repair a jammed window. Be sure to take a look at the other tutorials below this thread as well.