Upper/rear window spiral balance for double hung tilt windows

Quick Learner from St. Louis, MO

Jun 5, 2021 7:13 pm

All videos I see demo replacing the lower window balance. I understand the actual replacement of shoe & balance is the same, however, I am unclear as to where to locate the shoe and do you add the same amount of tension, etc? Is there anything I need to know that is specific for the rear/upper window? Thanks!

4 Replies

Paul from SWISCO

Jun 10, 2021 10:22 am

Greetings. When you say locate the pivot shoe for the upper sash, do you mean cutting the track to install the shoe? If so, then you would remove the bottom stop on the upper sash track and make the cut out to install the pivot shoe. You would turn the spiral clockwise three or four turns. You will feel the tension build in the balance tube.

Quick Learner from St. Louis, MO

Jun 11, 2021 5:55 pm

Sorry you don't seem to understand. Nothing said about cutting the track. But rather what distance from the balance should you place the new shoes after installing the new balances.

Bob from SWISCO

Jun 14, 2021 8:26 am

There really isn't a specified distance. Once you place the new shoes in the rear track, you can slide them upward maybe a little ways up the track, then use the charging tool to connect the spiral balances to them. But since the shoes ultimately end up being joined to the sash, so long as you raise them high enough to meet the spiral rods, nothing else comes into play. The video below does show how to install the shoes on the upper sash. See about 2:50 onwards.