How to Replace a Tilt Window Channel Balance

This guide will help you to remove and install a new tilt window channel balance. If you need to know how a tilt window channel balance, the tools needed are:
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Flat Head Screwdriver

General Info/ Terminology:

Tilt Latch: Plastic latch with release lever to allow you to tilt the window inward
Pivot Lock Shoe: The lock shoe acts as the pivot and stop for the window. Turning the die cast cam in the middle of the lock shoe will engage and disengage the brake to prevent the window from moving while the window is tilted inward.

This guide will help you to remove and install a new tilt window channel balance. The tools needed are:
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Flat Head Screwdriver

General Info/ Terminology:

Tilt Latch: Plastic latch with release lever to allow you to tilt the window inward
Pivot Lock Shoe: The lock shoe acts as the pivot and stop for the window. Turning the die cast cam in the middle of the lock shoe will engage and disengage the brake to prevent the window from moving while the window is tilted inward.
 

1. Begin by raising the window a few inches to allow you to tilt the window in. To tilt the window in, release the tilt latches on the right and left side of the window and tilt the top section of the window towards you.

2. Once tilted inward, remove the window sash from the track by pivoting/ twisting the sash.
   Tip: Having one side higher than the other also helps with removing the window sash.
   
3. The next step is to release the tension on the window balance. Make sure to have a firm grip on the screwdriver when doing this step. Once the window sash is removed, take a Flat head screwdriver, and insert it into the cam of the lock shoe and turn slowly. The lock shoe acts as a brake and when you turn the die cast cam, it releases the brake, and the balance will slide toward the top mounting screw.
   
4. Remove the balance from the track by unscrewing the Phillips head screw just above the balance.
   
5. Install the new balance and reinsert the Philips head mounting screw. Repeat for the opposite side. Once the mounting screw is installed the balance should be hanging in the track.
6. The next step is to set the balances in place to help reinsert the window sash. Take your Flat head screwdriver and insert it into the cam of the lock shoe at the bottom of the balance and pull the balance down the track about halfway. Then turn your screwdriver to lock the lock shoe and balance in place. Do the same for the other side but leaving the other side very slightly higher.
   
7. Reinsert the window sash into the frame ensuring the right and left pivot bar goes into the lock shoe. Then tilt the window back up into the frame and test functionality.
   

 

How to Replace a Tilt Window Channel Balance: FAQs

1. How does a channel balance work?
   Channel balances (sometimes also referred to as block and tackle balances), contain a spring and pulley system contained within a metal channel. These balances help to offset the weight of the sash/window, making it easier for you to open and close it. When the springs fatigue, it will become noticeably harder to open and close the window.
    
2. Why is it important to know how to replace a tilt window channel balance?
   It is important to know how to replace tilt window channel balances because if the springs in the channel balance wear out and the balance becomes inoperable, it can become difficult if not impossible to open or close the window.
    
3. What is a channel balance?
   A channel balance is a component of some windows that is relatively hidden. Found inside the window frame, and typical of double-hung and single windows, it assists you with the weight of the sash when you open or close the window. That is, it “balances” the window sash, making it easier to open and close.
    
4. Are there other types of window balances?
   Tilt window channel balances are only one type of window balance. There are also spiral window balances, rope and pulley window balances, clockspring balances, and constant force window balances, which are a durable type of balance powered by a coiled spring. The type of balance mentioned in this article - a channel balance - may also be referred to as a block and tackle balance.
    
5. Can you adjust a window balance?
   channel balance cannot be adjusted. But a spiral balance can be adjusted with a spiral balance tensioning tool. If you have a balance that can be adjusted, see if adjusting the tension fixes the problem before you replace the whole balance.
    

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