balance shoes don't slide freely

Question

Hi - after removing the spiral balances, one pair of the shoes slides very freely in the channel, the other is very difficult to move.  Is this normal?  Should I replace the shoes as well when I am replacing the weights (there are no slots, so I'd need to use a spreader to remove the old shoes).

Paul · Accepted Answer

First, check the shoe to make sure it is not in the locking position. The slot in the cam on the shoe should be in the horizontal position--that mean's it's unlocked and can move freely.