Vinyl tilt windoBalance problem

Question

Hi,

I have a vinyl window that had an ac in it for years. I recently removed the ac from the bottom sash. Now the top window doesn't close right. See last picture. The left side does not go straight into the jam and it looks tilted.

So I removed the sash hoping to get the balances even. I was able to do so, but then I could not get the sash back into the shoes, no matter how I tried....the left shoe kept turning making it impossible to re-install it.

Then, I was looking at the shoe, it didn?t seem to have any visible damage, but it does twist easily, whereas the right one is unmovable. So, as I was inspecting it, the left balance jumped straight up. Now, the left balance is way up and the right balance is down and I can't put the window sash back in properly.

I temporarily have the sash in resting on the show and being held up with a bar. However, I would like to fix the issue and put the window in correctly.

So, do I need new shoes? A new balance? Why does the window do this? I have 3 other windows with the same uneven on the top problem. What is the fix and what is the tools that I will need? Once fixed will it make getting the sash back I easy? It was such a challenge. Is there an easy way to get the sash in?

Also, any tips on how to get the screen out for repair?

Thanks a million!
Michele

Pivot shoe

Paul · Accepted Answer

Thanks for posting, Michelle. To see if your left side pivot shoe is worn out, place a flat head screwdriver in the black center cam, turn it to the left, pull down the tilt shoe a few inches, and finally turn the cam back to the right. If it holds, it's okay and doesn't need to be replaced. If it doesn't, you need a new pivot shoe. In that case, we will need the width and the thickness so we can find a good match.

I'm not sure exactly why this is happening, to be honest. Testing the pivot shoe will at least narrow down the list of possible culprits. If the pivot shoe is fine, then we'll look at the balance next. Let me know!